Rolex Oyster Perpetual "Baby Explorer" Ref. 77080 - 1999

Description

OYSTER PERPETUAL : 2 of the oldest words in the Rolex universe. 2 words seen so often on watches that we no longer read them. 2 words that sum up the entire philosophy of Rolex: Oyster for its case as watertight as an oyster, and Perpetual because the automatic movement makes the watch tick as long as it is worn.

And of course, the dial is a playful nod the Rolex Explorer. This watch from the Professionnel range became an icon with its 3 - 6 - 9 big bold indexes. 

Why did Françoise choose it?

Black dials go with everything, that's a fact. The medium diameter at 31mm adds to the versatility. Some consider the explorer dial (big 3 - 6 - 9 indexes on plain black) to be "sporty". This watch will be as comfortable on a beach as on a ski slope or in the office!

Why did Françoise choose it?

Obviously for our love for Rolex, especially from the 1990s (best ration between reliability, in particular water resistance, and vintage look), and in 31mm! Let's not undermine this dial, rarely found on women's wrists.

History

The Oyster Perpetual is the starting point of the Rolex saga. It is indeed the name of the first automatic and waterproof watch, released in 1931. This range will transform the name of Rolex, a young brand at the time, and will crown it as the watchmaker of technical and sporting exploits. Since then, most Rolex watches bear the Oyster Perpetual inscription in addition to their "range" name (Submariner, Explorer, DateJust...) to recall this original filiation. To choose a simple "Oyster Perpetual" is coming back to the roots.

Its big sister, the Rolex Explorer was introduced in 1952, as a simple automatic and waterproof. The groundbreaking design was the big bold 3 - 6 - 9 indexes to increase readability. That is the watch worn by Edmund Hillary when he became the first man to reach Everest summit.