Countries :

WATCH REVIEW Rolex Oyster Perpetual 116000

Editor's opinion
71.5 / 100
A true heir to the first Oyster Perpetual launched in 1931, the current model is a perfect example of the Rolex know-how. Let's check out this watch, before your wife starts taking it for granted!
Straight to the Point

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 116000

Ref.: 116000
$3,780.00 US retail price January 27th, 2011
Pros
  • multipurpose watch: sports & dressy
  • precise, tireless calibre
  • improved finishing compared to the previous generation
Cons
  • the polished bezel, a little dull maybe, compared to the fluted bezel
  • a diametre that may prove too small for those attached to current standards
  • for everyone else: watch out, because this is a watch your wife will soon make her own!
Brand Rolex
Model name
Oyster Perpetual 116000
Reference
116000
Case material
Steel 904L
Case diameter (without crown)
36 mm
Case diameter (crown included)
39.08 mm
Movement type
Automatic
Caliber
3130
Base Caliber
3135
Functions
Hour
Minute
Second
Crystal
Sapphire glass
Power reserve
50h
Transparent back
No
Lug width
20.05 mm
Length from lug to lug
44.12 mm
Case thickness
12.69 mm
Strap material
Steel 904L
Clasp type
Deployment clasp
Clasp material
Steel 904L
Total weight
125 grams
Retail price USA at January 27th, 2011
$3,780.00
Comfort (/15) 15
Movement (/20) 11.5
Movement Optimisation / Garnishment (/5) 3.5
Ease of handling and adjustment (/5) 5
Movement control proceeded by the Manufacture / horlogical awards (/3) 2
Power reserve (/2) 1
Complications (/5) 0
Finishing (/20) 13
Dial finishing (/6) 4
Case finishing (/6) 5
Quality of garnishment / caseback engraving quality (/2) 0
Crystal quality (/4) 2
Clasp finishing (inner and extern) (/2) 2
Functionality (/20) 13
Diurnal legibility (/5) 4
Night legibility (/4) 3
Water resistance (/3) 1
Strap : ease of size adjustment + ease of substitution (/4) 2
Clasp : quality and safety (/4) 3
Additional items (/10) 5
Limited edition (/3) 0
Watch delivered with several straps (/2) 0
Quality of the watch box (/1) 1
Portability with shirtsleeves buttoned (/2) 2
Goodies included (/1) 1
Understandability of the brochure (/1) 1
Value for money (/15) 14
When to wear it ? Everywhere and every day!
Users opinion
85%
like this watch
Do you like this watch?

Rolex watches: High standards designing

Even though the Oyster Perpetual is the brand’s most Rolex affordable model, there’s absolutely nothing cheap with it!
The high-level qualities of this watch immediately become crystal-clear once you hold it.
Finishing of the dial, the bezel, the case, and so forth: everything here mirrors the will of maintaining the highest standards.

This Oyster has all of the high-standard breakthroughs of the brand’s entire line of products –  including these smooth evolutions that inspire its faultfinders in saying the brand never releases anything new.

 

A more massive model compared to its forerunners

In the manner of its Datejust, Submariner and GMT cousins, the Oyster Perpetual has broader lugs that give its case a more massive touch while leaving the diameter unchanged.
Actually, in opposition to current trends, that somehow tend towards manufacturing “watches on steroids”, our Oyster stays with its 36 mm, the perfect size for a discreet, elegant watch.

The size of the dial’s indexes has also been increased.

Only the faceted stick-shaped hands remain unchanged.

The dial here has a beautiful yet very discreet silvered sunray finishing.

The smooth, polished steel bezel makes this discreet size even more present – maybe just a little too much for the purists whose preference will stay with the fluted bezel, core-located in the Rolex identity.

The strap has also undergone a “weight gain diet”, being now equipped with full end-pieces (with an almost perfect adjusting to the case), full links together with a massive clasp that replaces the previous one that was in folded sheet metal.

Insofar as Rolex has been criticized on a regular basis for its straps’ perceived quality, we’d really be pushing it now by starting to complain about the brand’s evolution: everything here helps bringing about the feel of a solid watch!

And yet, once on the scales, it appears there is no shocking weight difference with the previous generation. And, once you’re wearing it, you realize there are actually no notable changes with previous Oysters: it’s absolutely comfortable, no matter the size of your wrist.

 

A solid and reliable Rolex watch

On the calibre side, we’re still in the presence of the 3130, the manufacture of its movement stemming from the famous 3135 – which is already on the Yacht-Master, the Sea-Dweller and the Datejust, for instance. The date function has been removed.
Its balance runs at 28.800 beats per hour, under a crossing bridge with its adjustable height.
We’re definitely talking solidity and reliability here!

 

Nighttime legibility is here excellent!

This Oyster’s finishing has been done with care and efficiency.
After all, that’s exactly what we’d expect from Rolex: to stay true to its (well-deserved) reputation of solidity, reliability and tradition.

But don’t get me wrong: if this discreet model makes this Oyster looks dressy, the fact remains that it’s a fully multipurpose watch!
You can wear it on the beach, thanks to its 100 meters (300 feet) water-resistance, and its general finishing along with its sobriety, will perfectly match any suit and tie environment.

What to remember

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual has received the benefits of an all-smooth evolution, for a quality-improved model that stays true to its lineage.

It is an excellent alternative for anyone looking for a watch that can adapt to any situation.
Its contained size makes it a very elegant watch, and its perfect manufacturing guarantees flawless functioning.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

THE MOST SOUGHT-AFTER BRANDS