Like an oyster enclosing its pearl, the Oyster by Rolex is a watch of incredible hermetic capacity, able to be distinguished from a crowd. It has affirmed itself for almost a century now as the impenetrable keeper of a technical treasure, uniting watchmaking with jewelry.
This story began in 1927, when Mercedes Gleitze crossed the English Channel in 15 hours and 20 minutes… by swimming. On her wrist was the Oyster, still intact, proving that it was totally waterproof. A physical record set by a woman, and a technical prowess taken on by a watch. The Oyster incarnates this dichotomy between female and force, delicateness and strength. In 1931, it was equipped with the very first automatic winding mechanism. With a little help from gravity, the Rotor did its work with a simple movement of the wrist, adding even more perpetual quality to the Oyster. In 1945, it was dubbed Oyster Perpetual Datejust, the first watch to give the date, or more precisely, the day of the month. For even more visibility, the numbers were magnified in 1954 in the Cyclope model. This smashing success brought together a number of the rules and details that would later become essential within the foundations of Rolex.
The Oyster may be a composite of technologies, but its preciousness also expresses itself through the numerous gems that it assembles. Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and gold come together lightly and delicately, making the watch more refined and magnified. 904L steel, used for the casing, is stainless and thus very resistant. It effortlessly and admirably attaches itself to the other precious metals. Fragility and force are harmonized, somewhere between the sensuousness of jewelry and the prowess of watchmaking. This watch reveals itself to be a divine hybrid, containing numerous riches, just like its eponymous denizen of the sea. An object of desire with intangible curves, the Oyster never ceases to adapt itself to its time, ever on point and satisfying numerous styles. To take on eternity, constance, performance, and subtlety, be sure to check out Baselworld 2013 in Switzerland, from April 25th to May 2nd.
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