Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 2019 Reference No: 116000 Case No: 5V803720 Model Name: Oyster Perpetual Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3130, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 200mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp Dimensions: 36mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Further accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated 16th October 2019 stamped Hotel Lotte Co., LTD., Seoul Korea, instruction manual, guarantee manual, hang tag, green card holder, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Released in Baselworld 2014, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 116000 features a new size at 36mm diameter and was introduced with a smaller 31mm diameter counterpart the same year. The Oyster Perpetual takes its rightful inspiration from its ancestors from the 1930’s, being the first to feature a waterproof screw down caseback. The iconic case design would then be redeveloped and enhanced to encase the Datejust in 1945 as the first ever wristwatch in the world to feature a self-winding caliber with date indication. In the early 1950’s, Rolex would incorporate the case in what we know today as the Submariner.
The present Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 116000 with a black dial is perhaps a hidden gem in the Rolex catalogues. Steady, hefty and precise, the Oyster Perpetual was clearly built to last a life time or even longer. Providing extreme comfort and still retaining Rolex’s signature Oyster bracelet and clasp, the watch is most definitely sporty yet understated due to its clean and refined dial design. Presented in brand new condition, the present example is unworn and is further charmed by the original guarantee dated 2019 and its presentation box. A perfect option to sport as an everyday timepiece, casually dressed or formal.
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.