Blues Dugueye
I wasn’t the kind of guy who “packed everything, including the kitchen sink.” In fact, I think the basic models of almost every product line are a great way to place the overall mission, quality and brands held in the market. Think of the BMW 3 Series with rear wheel drive, vinyl seats and standard size wheels.
Given the opportunity to acquire one of the new 2025 Rolex Oyster Perpetual models, I first adopted a similar evaluation method. Does it feel good on your wrist? check. Would you tell me the time? check. Building quality that will make you reach the century? You are Betcha. If we were simply valuing the OP based on objective criteria, this seemed likely to be a short, relatively mediocre article. For better or worse, you’ll need to look at Rolex watches in a rather different bubble, considering that it might be easier to buy a specific Submariner model than this Pistachio Dial OP36 to live on after 2020.
Let’s start with the specifications
Before I get into all that, I should start with this basic Rolex basics. My subject today is the second largest oyster in the 36mm, which is permanent. However, you can (theoretically) choose from a variety of sizes, from 28mm to 41mm. In the last decade, we were able to buy the OP in the perfect 39mm size, but Rolex decided that the market would require another 2mm for the 2020s biggest OP. It’s enough to say, I’m always happy with the lasting references of 36mm dating just and oysters. 126,000 continues this trend. Without the date and Cyclops window, the OP36 actually looks slightly larger on the wrist than a modern dating just of the same size.
The case is a pure Rolex Oyster, not a late 2000s Rolex Oyster. The rug is as thin as my dateJust Ref. From 1601, 1971, it is a very nice foil in some chunky cases that are still used in today’s professional lineup. Available only with a smooth bezel, the Oyster Perpetual profile is stealth and guaranteed to be timeless. Multi-link bracelets like Jubilee and New Land Residents appear to be trending these days, but they are eschewing the sparkly element in favor of an all-brush oyster bracelet. It has a premium look and feel, but is so stealthy that even the Rolex logo on the clasp is embossed rather than standing out with peace of mind like all other models. Would you like a dark gray BMW?
So far, Oyster’s Eternity has all the productions of classic and modest sports watches. And if you can get a black dial, pocket a 16% savings in your Explorer 36 and call it a day. Aside from the black dial options, all the other dials on offer are “Hey! I’m a cool Rolex! Look at this amazing color!” Even the medium blue offered this year is a lacquer shade that invites praise from the fatigue of a safe metallic blue.
The perfect pistachio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwnchipwv0k
The eternity of the oysters I’m captured is a pistachio dial that is very buzz-worthy. It was announced earlier this year with Watches and Mysteries. It is a pastel green that is slightly more likely to match than beige, candy, turquoise, mill-spec green and lavender alternatives. Aside from the black and silver dialing variations, pistachios look the most screaming.
The OP is not a modern Rolex with a bit of a glow. This is provided thanks to the baton index, which doubles at 3, 6, and 9. These are done with the necessary white gold outline finishes and, together with the hands and crown, provide sufficient wrist roll glint even in low lighting to reassure your outfit. These thick batons offer great readability day and night and have ample rooms.
As a fan of DateJust (I have three and sometimes four), I wonder where in my collection this watch fits. Clearly stated, it is definitely a great weekend watch. Who needs to know the weekend date? It’s not me. This summer, when you’re relaxing with friends on the patio, there’s a shorts and a T-shirt and polo, the lasting thing of oysters seems to make a lot of sense. Heading to the office or meeting, this particular OP will be difficult to grab from the watch box. At the time, I would go with DateJust, Black Submariner Date, and even Explorer II before rocking the fun OP. For those looking for that “one watch” watch, focus on purely neutral color options.
With a 70-hour reserve, the Workhorse 3230 movement ensures that this oyster will survive to a permanent name.
Close thoughts
Due to supply and market conditions, it is difficult to evaluate the Oyster Perpetual 36 as the perfect base model. At the time of writing, it was priced at USD 6,350, which seems relatively reasonable in the current Rolex reality. That said, with Omega’s Seamaster Aqua Terraline, there is a fierce objective competition (and easily available in the colours of your choice). Previously, the OP36 was also pitted against the Grand Seiko SBGW299. Needless to say, there are many fun and colorful watches that undercut OPs from great brands like Oris and Baltic.
The permanent secondary market prices of colorful oysters make no sense at all. But they are because people are paying those prices to skip the line whether the line is recognized or true. This ace of base OP36 offers all the right elements of fun and value as long as you pay the base price. After all, why don’t you throw away 5 series money for the 320i?
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Pricing and Availability
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 is available (in theory) from a Rolex certified dealer. Price: USD 6,350, USD 10,750
Brand Rolex Model Oyster Permanent 36 Reference Number 126000-0011 Case Dimensions 36mm (D) x 11.7mm (T) x 44mm (LTL) Case Material Oyster Steel (904L Stainless Steel) Weight 124g Water Resistant 3 Piece Solid Link, EasyLink 5mm Comfort Extension Link Movement Foldable Oyster Class with Caliber 3230
$10,750
