There’s something unforgettable about buying your first luxury mechanical watch. For me, that moment came with the Rolex Oyster Perpetual — a simple but iconic timepiece that ultimately pulled me deeper into the world of watches.
How It All Started
I first visited a Rolex Authorized Dealer with a few models in mind: the Oyster Perpetual 36 in blue, the GMT-Master II “Batman,” and the Datejust 41. After trying them on, the OP instantly felt right on my smaller wrist.
The only problem? No stock.
Like many first-time buyers, I was handed the classic “Expression of Interest” form — essentially a polite waitlist. Weeks passed with no call, and the itch to own a Rolex only grew stronger. Eventually, I turned to the grey market.
I found a well-priced Oyster Perpetual being sold locally, met the owner in person, and everything checked out: a clean 2020 full set — box, papers, accessories, even the green retail bag. After verifying authenticity and feeling good about the seller, I bought it for $9,400 NZD.
That night, I celebrated with my wife over dinner and recorded an unboxing to let the excitement sink in. It finally felt real — I owned my first Rolex.
A Quick Look at the Oyster Perpetual’s History
Because I naturally fell into the watch rabbit hole, I dug deeper into Rolex’s story. A few things stood out:
- Rolex actually started in London in 1905, founded by Hans Wilsdorf.
- In 1910, Rolex became the first wristwatch to earn Swiss chronometer certification.
- The brand moved to Geneva in 1919, which is why every dial says Swiss or Swiss Made.
- The “Oyster” name comes from the 1926 invention of the first waterproof watch.
- In 1931, Rolex patented the self-winding “perpetual” rotor — the basis of modern automatic movements.
Understanding this heritage made the Oyster Perpetual even more special.
My Rolex Oyster Perpetual 116000
My OP is the reference 116000 with a beautiful silver sunburst dial and white-gold indices. A few standout specs:
- 36mm case
- 11.7mm thickness
- 44mm lug-to-lug (makes all the difference for wrist fit)
- 20mm lug width
- Sapphire crystal
- Polished domed bezel
- Oyster bracelet in 904L Oystersteel
- Super-LumiNova lume
- 100m water resistance
- Calibre 3130 (time-only, COSC, and Superlative Chronometer-rated +2/–2s/day)
The movement beats at 4Hz and has a 48-hour power reserve. It’s simple, reliable, and overbuilt in the classic Rolex way.
Learning to Wind My First Automatic
Coming from quartz watches, winding a mechanical watch felt almost ceremonial. Unscrewing the crown, giving it 25–30 turns, setting the time — it made me appreciate the mechanical heartbeat inside.
Wearing the OP daily gave me a subtle confidence boost. There’s something about a Rolex that feels both refined and quietly powerful without being flashy.
Why I Chose the Oyster Perpetual
For my 6.25-inch wrist (and my wife’s 5.9-inch wrist), the OP 36 is the perfect size. It’s:
- understated but elegant
- versatile with any outfit
- easy to wear daily
- the most affordable gateway into Rolex without sacrificing any quality
It’s the definition of “simple done perfectly.”
Final Thoughts
Buying my Rolex Oyster Perpetual 116000 wasn’t just a purchase — it was the start of a new hobby, a deeper appreciation for mechanical engineering, and the beginning of documenting my restoration and collecting journey.
If you’ve owned or still own your first Rolex, I’d love to hear which model you chose and why. Here’s to craftsmanship, history, and the watches that pull us into the rabbit hole.