Rolex Marks the Centenary of the Oyster Case: From Hans Wilsdorf’s Innovative Concept to the Eternal Standard of Watchmaking

A century ago, a bold idea marked a breakthrough in watchmaking. In an era of rapid change—across science, technology, and thought—Rolex created something more than a timepiece: it gave the world a symbol of confidence and elegance that has accompanied humanity through its most pivotal historical moments.

The Oyster case embodied the spirit of Rolex, proving that durability and beauty can go hand in hand, and that true craftsmanship is timeless. At the Watches and Wonders exhibition in Geneva, the company celebrated the centenary of one of the most significant inventions in the history of watchmaking.

Strength and grace, reliability and refinement, tradition and modernity—it is this harmonious blend that defines the Rolex philosophy. The brand transforms a watch into a unique object that expresses character, taste, and a way of life.

Patented by Hans Wilsdorf in 1926, the Oyster became the world’s first completely sealed watch case. The Rolex founder was driven by the vision of creating a watch that could withstand the harshest conditions while maintaining an impeccable appearance. He personally oversaw the design process, conducted countless waterproof tests, and demanded that his craftsmen achieve a perfect finish on every component. Thanks to a semicircular rotor that turns with the slightest movement of the wrist, the movement operates with flawless stability. It was this very foresight that transformed Rolex from a small workshop into a symbol of haute horlogerie.

2026 Anniversary Models

The centerpiece of the anniversary series is the Oyster Perpetual 41 in yellow Rolesor—a harmonious combination of Oystersteel and 18-carat yellow gold. The slate sunray dial features a "100 years" engraving in place of the usual "Swiss Made" signature—a subtle touch highlighting the model's anniversary status—while the winding crown is adorned with a relief engraving of the number "100." These details represent a sophisticated artistic choice that underscores a deep respect for heritage.

The Oyster Perpetual 36 features a multi-colored lacquered dial with a "Jubilee" motif. To create it, artisans applied ten individual colors using pad printing—an extremely complex and labor-intensive process. The Oyster Perpetual 28 and 34 models were released in solid 18-carat gold—yellow and Everose—with lacquered stone dials. Every line, facet, and surface of these watches embodies meticulous attention to detail and a pursuit of perfection.

Design as High Art

For Rolex, watchmaking has always been a fine art. The company's designers and artisans spend years perfecting every detail, from the flawless polishing of the case to the texture of the dial. They do not chase fleeting trends; instead, they create timeless pieces that remain beautiful and functional for decades. Every new Oyster case undergoes hundreds of quality control stages before earning the right to bear the name.

Hans Wilsdorf once said, "I want to create a watch that will serve a person for a lifetime." Today, Rolex continues to uphold this principle, blending the traditions of hand-craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.

The Watches and Wonders 2026 exhibition in Geneva once again confirmed Rolex’s status as one of the primary guardians of haute horlogerie. In a world where many things are made for the short term, the brand remains an example of how durability and aesthetics can harmoniously coexist, creating objects that delight their owners for decades.

Rolex Anniversary Presentation on Brand Philosophy

The official teaser for the Oyster’s 100th anniversary clearly conveys the Rolex philosophy. The video establishes a visual link between past and present: archival footage from the 1920s transitions into scenes of modern production.

A telling scene features the "100 years" engraving: a modern craftsman replicates the movements of Hans Wilsdorf, who once personally tested the first Oyster cases in extreme conditions. This gesture emphasizes the continuity of tradition.

The final shot of the Oyster Perpetual 41, with light glinting off the polished Rolesor, serves as a symbol: one hundred years later, the design remains as relevant as ever. It is further testament to Rolex’s status as a cultural institution where innovation takes on an artistic form and craftsmanship becomes eternal.