Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36

This review is not sponsored. It is a hands on review with my own piece. My OP is pre-owned 2018 Ref 116000, Black Dial 36mm. This piece is special to me in many ways. Feedback is aways appreciated.

It was my ‘time’

Collecting watches for many years I had never had an opportunity (or the inclination) to own a Rolex. These watches were only for posh people - and I am far from posh.

When my life changed in 2018 I really wanted something that could represent 10 amazing years of my life. It was to represent us and our memories.

Why Rolex? We talked about getting each other one, but sadly life ran out - literally. During some sad times I was close to pulling the trigger on a Submariner no date. However, it was based in Melbourne and I didn’t want to buy without sighting the piece.

I had decided to go down the pre-owned market path, but not online. I wanted to buy from a shop. I read so many bad stories from online purchases.

My 4 must haves to buy preowned:

1. I wanted to make sure it was authentic

2. I wanted to try it on

3. I wanted something I connected with me when I put it on for the first time

4. Must have boxes and paperwork, tags

August 2019, heading to the City, I had an OP36 in mind. Feeling nervous, butterflies in the stomach well the rest is history. Walking out of the shop I think I almost ran back to the car.

Inspired by simplicity and elegance

with everyday wear

Ref: 116000

What drew me to the Oyster Perpetual was the simplicity. The OP is known as the entry point to the Rolex collection. To most, it just looks like a nice watch with a black dial. Unless someone is into watches, most would not know, or look hard enough to spot the brand name. No cyclops date window to make it stand out.

There is something about simplicity that gives the Oyster Perpetual interest. Double indices at the 3, 6 and 9 markers is something to enhance the beautiful black dial. No complications to worry about. No date, just set and wind.

The Rolex OP 116000 features the Rolex caliber 3130 in-house movement. Power reserve of 48 hours, +/-2 secs per day. I will typically set all my watches to the world time clock as I like running my watches to the exact time and seconds.

Mine is the 36mm. It fits perfectly with only one link adjustment. If only it came with the folding Oysterclasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link. No, just the folding clasp.

36mm is absolutely suitable for men and women. The lugs taper down to give the OP a wrist fit that is perfect. Given Rolex has discontinued the 39mm, introducing the 41mm, I am guessing the 36mm is now a popular choice.

The details..

• Case size: 36mm

• Case Material: Stainless Steel

• Lug to lug: 44mm

• Dial: Black with white gold indices, double indices at 3, 6, 9 hours

• Complication: time only

• Screw down case back and crown giving it dust and water resistance to 10 ATM

• Oyster Bracelet, brushed stainless steel with folding clasp - without quick extension

• Automatic Movement - Accuracy / Precision: Officially cosc-certified Swiss chronometer / Officially certified Swiss chronometer (cosc)

• Sapphire Crystal

• Lume - Chromalight

Closing thoughts

Watches either connect with us or they dont. The choice to purchase the Oyster Perpetual was a decision well thought out. What was the true meaning for me to have this Rolex? Most people I know don’t even know I have it. Some people would say, who cares what people think and maybe they are right. I dont like being judged even though I know people will.

It is elegant, sporty, subdued yet pronounced without the bling or the fanciness of the fluted bezel or jubilee bracelet. While the OP falls into the more affordable price (well you are still looking at $7000-$10,000 AUD), there is nothing cheap about it. The OP will last beyond your years, the design in the most simple way, wont grow old.

Personally it is a watch that most wouldn’t notice. Safe to wear, safe not to show off, however truly significant that it represents a time in my life that was joyous.

I wear it often. Every time I turn my wrist to look at the time I feel the significance of it. That smile, that dance, that memory. It will stay with me and will be with me for the rest of my life. There will be new memories created with it on my wrist.

Would I buy the new one? Absolutely, just not right now. What colour? Maybe the Tiffany blue.

Are they worth the price tag? Well that comes down to personal preference. What do you think? Over hyped, over priced?