The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 100th Anniversary Edition Reference 134303

Rolex might have always been discreet, but it was and still is one of the leaders of innovation in watchmaking. Surely, some of these features were not meant to make headlines or to break records, but under their relative discretion and incremental evolution, many have changed the face of the industry and how we interact with our watches. One of these innovations was the Oyster case, launched in 1926, one of the earliest attempts to make a water- and dustproof case, and one that became so effective it became the norm in the watch industry. Now, in 2026, Rolex (in a rare moment of celebration, something the brand doesn’t often do) pays tribute to 100 years of innovation with the release of a special edition model, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 100th Anniversary Edition Reference 134303, a watch fitted with numerous unique features.

A Concise history of the Rolex Oyster case

Even though previous attempts to create a waterproof watch case existed, most either failed to keep water out of the case or proved impractical. What Rolex did with the Oyster case, first released in 1926 after a couple of years of research and development, was not only elegantly simple and a game-changing moment for the watch industry. With the Oyster case, Rolex introduced a combination now an industry standard: a threaded caseback screwed to the middle case and a screw-down crown, protecting what’s potentially the weakest point of a watch. 

The idea was to seal the movement hermetically, protecting it from both dust and water ingress, and not exclusively humidity anymore. Sure, the point wasn’t yet to explore the depth of our planet, but the classic combination of screwed caseback and screw-down crown was key in the creation of the first dive watches, up to the exploration of the deepest point of the ocean, the Mariana Trench – which, unsurprisingly, is another Rolex achievement. 

Back to the original Oyster case. The first model was a compact octagonal gold watch with wire-style lugs and fluted elements to highlight the threaded bezel, crown and caseback. Slightly later models have also been seen with cushion-shaped cases and larger diameters. The first moment of glory for the Rolex Oyster case occurred in October 1927, when Rolex decided to bring a real-world demonstration of the resistance of its innovative watch architecture by having British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze wear a Rolex Oyster around her neck when attempting to become the first British woman to swim across the English Channel. She was ultimately forced to abandon just 3 miles shy of completion. Yet, the watch was tested by an independent committee, working flawlessly and without any trace of moisture inside the case. 

Now 100 years old and still going strong, Rolex celebrates one of its most important innovations with the launch of a special edition model, a treat that remains rare for the brand. 

The Oyster Perpetual 41 – 100th Anniversary Edition 

The new Oyster Perpetual 41, Rolex’s most elemental watch, is presented with a subtle but meaningful twist on Rolesor. Instead of the usual two-tone execution, yellow gold is reserved for the bezel and Twinlock crown, while the entire bracelet remains in Oystersteel. What we have is cleaner, more restrained, and perhaps closer in spirit to the original Oyster concept.

The 41mm Oyster case (11.6mm thick) is milled from Oystersteel and features satin-brushed surfaces and polished flanks, topped by a polished yellow gold domed bezel. The design remains uncompromising, with the screw-down caseback and Twinlock crown. The sapphire crystal is AR-coated, and the water resistance is 100m.

The slate sunray dial mentions the anniversary theme, with restraint. A “100 years” signature replaces “Swiss Made” at 6 o’clock, just below the marker, while green accents mark the minute track and Rolex logo. Applied yellow gold markers and hands are filled with Chromalight for long-lasting blue luminescence in the dark.

The watch is powered by calibre 3230, Rolex’s no-date automatic movement. Equipped with the Chronergy escapement, Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, it provides efficiency, magnetic resistance and durability. The movement runs at 28,800 vibrations/hour and offers 70 hours of autonomy. It is regulated to the strengthened 2026 Superlative Chronometer standard of -2/+2 seconds per day, tested after casing.

The Oyster bracelet, entirely in steel, features an Oysterclasp and Easylink extension. The new Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 (134303) is priced at EUR 9,400. For more, please visit rolex.com.