Rolex’s latest watch doesn’t look like
anything else the brand makes. That’s part of what makes it great.
At the 2023 Watches & Wonders exhibition
in Geneva, Rolex unveiled a surprising addition to their collection: the 1908.
This elegant dress watch, crafted in luxurious yellow or white gold, features a
comfortable leather strap and a mesmerizing view of its Perpetual movement through
a transparent caseback. Unlike anything else in Rolex's portfolio, the 1908
offered a distinct aesthetic.
However, amidst the flurry of unconventional
releases from Rolex last year (think the emoji-adorned Day-Date!), the 1908
went somewhat unnoticed. This year, Rolex appears to be taking a more
conservative approach, focusing on familiar designs. Yet, the 1908 remains a
standout, defying expectations and standing out as the most unique watch in
Rolex's current lineup.
Platinum Takes Center Stage
This year, Rolex raised eyebrows with the
introduction of a stunning platinum version of the 1908. While Rolex does offer
a few other platinum watches, like the Day-Date and Daytona, it's a relatively
uncommon material for the brand. But what truly sets this 1908 apart is its
pairing with a luxurious leather strap – a unique combination not seen from
Rolex in quite some time.
The dial of the new 1908 is equally
distinctive. Rolex has used ice blue on some previous platinum models, but this
iteration takes it a step further. The dial features a mesmerizing engine-turned
guilloché pattern, not just one, but two! One adorns the center, while a
different guilloché decorates the minute track. This intricate detail elevates
the dial's beauty and exclusivity.
In essence, the 2024 additions – the ice-blue
guilloché dial, the platinum case, and the combination of leather strap and
display caseback introduced last year – make the latest 1908 a true standout in
Rolex's collection. It unquestionably breaks the mold, and that's a welcome
change for some watch enthusiasts.
Talk of the Town
A Rolex Unlike Any Other
The 1908's transparent caseback, introduced in
2023, remains a surprising element for Rolex traditionalists. But love them or
hate them (and sales figures suggest more love than hate!), there's no denying
the allure of the 1908 platinum.
Its uniqueness is a major factor in its
appeal, along with its undeniable beauty. The watch transcends watch expertise
– even someone unfamiliar with timepieces can appreciate its elegance. For
instance, I shared a video on Instagram, and a friend who knows nothing about
watches simply said, "I love this."
The unexpected Rolex has even charmed watch
enthusiasts known for their critical eye. "While Rolex's releases were
more subdued this year," wrote Hodinkee's Tony Traina, "the 1908
stands out. This, with its gorgeous dial and perfect weight, is what the 1908
should've been from the beginning." Mike Razak of aBlogtoWatch echoed the
sentiment: "The Rolex 1908 in platinum is the bee's knees."
In essence, the new 1908 defies expectations.
It doesn't look or feel like a typical Rolex, and that's precisely what makes
it so captivating.
