Rolex has grown its base Oyster Perpetual line further with the addition of the Oyster Perpetual 39, the largest and latest addition to the range. Last year the no frills collection was revamped with new sizes and colours, injecting a bit of freshness into what was an old fashioned watch, but the largest model was just 36 mm. Just unveiled at Baselworld, the new flagship Oyster Perpetual is 39 mm, giving it a more masculine and modern form. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is the most accessible Oyster watch (referring to the watches with waterproof cases and screw down crowns) that Rolex offers. They are all self-winding (which Rolex terms “perpetual”), indicating the time but without a date function.

From left: The Oyster Perpetual in 26, 31, 34, 36 and 39 mm sizes

At 39 mm in the diameter the new Oyster Perpetual 39 mm is the largest yet, putting it close to sports models like the Sea-Dweller and GMT-Master in terms of case size. Several new metallic dial colours are offered with the 39 mm model, including grey with blue hour markings.

Aside from the larger size, the Oyster Perpetual 39 is otherwise identical to its smaller siblings. The hands and applied hour indices in 18 ct. gold (a standard feature for all Rolex watches). And the bracelet is the classic Oyster, with links that have a brushed top surface and polished flanks, along with the spring-loaded Oysterclasp. Alongside the 39 mm, new dial finishes are now offered with the other Oyster Perpetual sizes. Notably, each of the Oyster Perpetual case sizes have dials unique to that size, except for the purple “Red Grape” finish that is available in all five sizes.

Oyster Perpetual 34 mm with champagne dial

Oyster Perpetual 31 mm with red grape dial

Oyster Perpetual 26 mm in olive green

The Oyster Perpetual 39 has the calibre 3132 inside, featuring a 48 hour power reserve and the non-magnetic Parachrom Bleu hairspring. Different calibres are used in the smaller models, but with similar specs. All the Oyster Perpetual models are COSC certified chronometers. Priced at 5400 Swiss francs, equivalent to about US$5460 at today’s rates, the Oyster Perpetual 39 has the right price, form and size to make it an easy success.