The Rolex Oyster Perpetual or OP is one of the purest watch models by the company. In fact, it is the foundation of the brand. Many people think it is less special because it is the entry-level Rolex, but this is wrong. The OP is the grandfather of the Submariner, the Datejust, and the Explorer. It is a time-only watch, which means it has no date window and no extra buttons to push. So, it just tells you the hours, minutes, and seconds. The OP is the perfect watch for someone who wants one beautiful watch for the rest of his/her life. Check out our collection of Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches!
Oyster Perpetual
When you pick up an Oyster Perpetual, the first thing you feel is the balance. The Oystersteel model is 904L stainless steel. Other brands usually have 316L steel. Rolex’s 904L steel is also much more resistant to corrosion and acid. It shines brighter when you polish it and does not show off with diamonds or gold bezels. What makes it different from other brands/models is that it is waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof.
The name tells you exactly what the watch is. The name “Oyster” comes from 1926 and refers to the case. For instance, the case back, bezel, and winding crown screw down tightly against the middle case just like a sea oyster closes its shell tightly to protect the inside. Thus, this keeps water and dust out. Likewise, the name “Perpetual” comes from 1931, which refers to the movement inside. It has a “rotor,” which is a half-moon-shaped weight that swings when you move your wrist. So, this causes an automatic movement.
Therefore, the mainspring runs perpetually as long as you wear the watch. Our experienced watch collectors usually talk about Bubblebacks, which were the first OPs from the 1930s and 1950s. The movement was thick enough to ensure the case back bubbles out. Today, modern Oyster Perpetual watches are slim and sit flat on the wrist.
The quality of the Oyster Perpetual watches remains the same whether you buy a tiny 28mm or the big 41mm. Here are the most important technical specifications:
Rolex has produced numerous Oyster Perpetual watches, which means the family is pretty big. The company wants OP to be a watch for everyone. Therefore, it makes this model in various sizes, such as 28mm, 31mm, 34mm, 36mm, and 41mm. In addition, you can only get the modern OP on the Oyster bracelet, which is the three-link steel bracelet. Remember, the bracelet is matte/brushed on top and polished on the sides. Thus, this makes the bracelet very sporty.
The clasp is the Oysterclasp, and more importantly, modern models have the Easylink extension, which lets you open a small classic lever inside the clasp to make the bracelet 5mm longer without tools. Therefore, the OP model watches are perfect for hot days when your wrist swells. When it comes to the movements, large sizes, such as 36mm and 41mm, use the Calibre 3230. It is a modern beast and has the Chronergy escapement as well as a 70-hour power reserve. You can take the watch off Friday night, and it will still be running Monday morning.
On the other hand, small sizes, such as 28mm, 31mm, and 34mm, use the Calibre 2232. It uses a Syloxi hairspring made of silicon, which is awesome for magnetic resistance. Moreover, the power reserve is about 55 hours. Rolex released the 124300 and 126000 in 2020 with the Stella effect. These watches have crazy colors like Coral Red, Yellow, Tiffany, and Green. Fans call these the “Stella” dials, named after rare vintage models from the 1970s.
This is where things get a little tricky. Many people want they walk into the shop and buy a watch. But it is not that simple. There are two prices: the retail and secondary market prices.
The secondary market in 2025 has cooled down from the crazy peaks of 2022. However, some specific colors still cost way more than retail. According to the market data from the UAE:
If you are lucky enough to get a call from an authorized dealer in 2025, this is what you will pay: These prices include VAT in the UAE:
| Model | Size | Reference | Movement | Latest Retail Price (AED) |
| OP 41 | 41mm | 124300 | Calibre 3230 | 26,450 |
| OP 36 | 36mm | 126000 | Calibre 3230 | 24,150 |
| OP 34 | 34mm | 124200 | Calibre 2232 | 22,650 |
| OP 31 | 31mm | 277200 | Calibre 2232 | 22,150 |
| OP 28 | 28mm | 276200 | Calibre 2232 | 21,150 |
If you ask whether the Oyster Perpetual is a good investment, our answer is “Yes” and “No.” You can make money instantly if you buy an OP at retail price. An example of this is AED 26,450 for a 41mm. So, this means you can’t lose money buying at retail. On the other hand, if you pay secondary prices, let’s say AED 76,900 for a Turquoise dial, it is risky. Keep in mind that the hype is fading because the same watch would cost AED 120,000 in 2022.
Besides, Steel Rolex watches retain value better than gold ones. The Oyster Perpetual is pure steel, and you can sell a Rolex OP in Dubai, New York, or Tokyo in one hour. The price jumps when Rolex stops making a color. For example, Rolex discontinued the 41mm Coral Red and Yellow in 2022. So, if you own a discontinued OP color, hold the watch because it will profit you in the long run.
The OP is a simple watch model. So, it is one of the most faked watches in the world. You must know how to authenticate the watch. The most important factor is the superlative Chronometer certification. Every modern Rolex Oyster Perpetual has the “Green Seal,” which is a small plastic tag with a hologram. It guarantees the watch has passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) and Rolex’s own stricter tests. It means the watch won’t lose or gain more than 2 seconds a day.
All new Rolex watches come with a 5-year international guarantee. The warranty card has been green since 2020, and it has the model number and serial number on the back. It also has the NFC chip inside. You can’t see the chip, but dealers can scan it. In addition, the warranty is only valid if the card is stamped by the official retailer when bought. If you buy a second-hand OP, you still get the warranty if it is within the 5-year window. For instance, a 2023 watch will have a warranty until 2028. We provide a one-year limited warranty on all OP watches at Watch Maestro for the satisfaction of our customers.
When it comes to authentication, you must look at the crown. There is a tiny Rolex crown logo on models after 2020 with movements of Calibre 3230 and 2232. You can find the logo between the words “SWISS” and “MADE” on the dial at 6 o’clock. There is also a microscopic laser-etched crown on the sapphire glass at the 6 o’clock position. You can usually only see it with a loupe and light coming from the side.
Testimonials
It is not better or worse than Datejust. It is just different. The Datejust has a date window and a magnifying lens or Cyclops, and is a bit dressier, as well as comes with the Jubilee bracelet option. The OP is sportier, cleaner, and more symmetrical because it has no date. Moreover, the OP is cheaper.
Probably not. Although the OP is an entry-level model, the demand is very high. Most stores have “Exhibition Only” models to try on, but no stock to sell. So, you usually need to register your interest and wait a few months, or have a purchase history.
It is all about the color. For example, the Turquoise Blue looks exactly like the famous “Tiffany & Co.” blue. It became a flex on social media. Rolex makes fewer of these unique colors than the standard black or silver. Therefore, supply is low, and hype is high.
The case and bracelet are brushed steel, which hides scratches well. But the bezel is highly polished, so it can get scratches. The smooth bezel also picks up hairline scratches if you wear the watch every day. There is nothing to worry about because this is “patina” and gives the watch character.
Rolex suggests every 10 years because the modern oils inside are very good and of high quality. However, bring it to Watch Maestro if you notice your watch running very fast or very slow.
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