Once I saw them, I couldn't stop seeing them.
The special Jubilee dial on one of the two anniversary Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches repeated the brand name, but it seemed to me that it spelled out my name over and over. These watches literally wore my name in the most obvious way. So which to choose: the OP model with a graphic festive dial in 10 colors or the more restrained anniversary version with yellow gold elements and green accents?
During the Rolex press conference at Watches and Wonders 2026, I had the opportunity to try on the 36mm Oyster Perpetual with the Jubilee dial and the 41mm yellow Rolesor model with distinctive festive green accents. In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Oyster case, Rolex unveiled updated versions of the Oyster Perpetual 41 and Oyster Perpetual 36. One party - two ways to celebrate: the classic version in yellow Rolesor is available in 36 and 41 mm cases, while the more vibrant model with a colorful festive dial is also released in a 31 mm size.
Practical Experience with Two Anniversary Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watches
In my opinion, the OP is the most approachable Rolex watch. It's a basic model that lacks two characteristic Rolex features, and that's precisely why it is endearing. The absence of a date magnifier and a fluted bezel, along with a choice of restrained dial colors and a smooth bezel, create a pleasing image. You don't wear the OP to impress, and that's why I have a fondness for this model. Regardless of how iconic the "Pepsi" is or how technically impressive the titanium Yacht-Master 42 is, it's the OP that attracts me the most. The OP 36 with a pistachio dial looks cute and stylish, combining sportiness and sophistication. But what about the anniversary models?
In honor of the centenary of the Oyster case, Rolex introduced updated versions of the Oyster Perpetual 41, 36, and 31 at the current Watches and Wonders. These models combine the core elements of the brand's simplest line with several design nods to the original waterproof wristwatches of 1926. The time-only watches remain technically simple but stand out visually in the modern collection. I had the chance to personally explore the 41mm OP in yellow Rolesor and the 36mm version with a 10-color Jubilee dial. These watches can be seen as worthy successors to the 2023 Oyster Perpetual Celebration model with the balloon motif on the dial.
Wearing the Anniversary Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 and 36 mm
When I say that wearing a Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a very calm experience, do you understand what I mean? These watches feel like the standard in the world of luxury. The look and feel create comfort - this is how luxury watches should look and feel. The proportions are perfect. You could argue at length about which OP version is better - 36, 41, or what about the discontinued 39 mm? But ultimately, it all depends on how the watch sits and looks on the wrist. The OP 41 has a case size of 41 × 11.6 mm with a lug width of 21 mm. This version seems more elongated compared to the 36mm OP, which also has a case thickness of 11.6 mm but a lug width of 20 mm. Both versions come with a screw-down case back, a Twinlock winding crown, and offer water resistance up to 100 meters.
Choosing the Size
When it comes to size, I choose the 36mm Oyster Perpetual. I don't dislike the 41mm version on my wrist - it fits, but it seems a bit too large for my 18 cm wrist. 36 mm is rather a small size, but its restrained presentation aligns with the spirit of the OP. Therefore, my choice is the 36 mm version. Furthermore, the OP 39 is no longer produced, but let's not get sidetracked by that. Instead, we should focus on the OP 41 in yellow Rolesor.
The choice of a yellow gold bezel and winding crown, along with matching hands and indices, is a justified decision. Combined with the slate-colored dial and green accents, these are archetypal festive Rolex watches. If you still don't see them as anniversary models, the "100 years" inscription at the 6 o'clock position, where "Swiss Made" is usually found, clearly marks the festive nature of the model.
The green elements include the Rolex name and the five-minute markers on the minute track. The main symbol of the celebration is the winding crown with embossed "100" marking. These details make the watch stand out without altering its classic layout, which focuses on time-only display with central hour, minute, and second hands.
Celebration in Yellow Rolesor
Two-tone watches usually don't intrigue me much. I can accept such a combination if the blend of steel and yellow gold - and definitely not steel with rose gold, which seems too artificial to me - adds something to the original watch design. An example could be the vibrant Cartier Pasha.
Yes, the OP version in yellow Rolesor looks special, but also a bit outdated. I wouldn't call it "classic," since the inscription at the 6 o'clock position and the marking on the winding crown seem too obvious and not timeless. These watches will undoubtedly prove their worth, but for daily use, it's not my OP of choice.
Party Watches
Is the OP 36 with the Jubilee dial my watch? I truly find this "festive" dial intriguing and mesmerizing. It feels like Rolex made these watches specifically for me. I can't help but selectively read the Jubilee pattern. First introduced in the late 1970s, it recalls the work of Italian conceptual artist Alighiero Boetti, a member of the Arte Povera movement. Now, by displaying this pattern in 10 colors, Rolex has turned its name into a repeating mosaic, creating visual chaos. It also causes confusion because after looking at the OP 36 with such a dial, I could only read "Lex" - my name.
I was very curious to see how the watch would look on my wrist after seeing them up close in several press photos. To get to the point: I think they look better with a 400% enlarged dial. On a 36mm watch, the graphic element becomes more challenging to discern. Thanks to the multitude of individually applied colors for a bright effect, the dial looks more like a miniature colorful canvas up close.
I wouldn't compare it to Seurat's pointillism, but the graphic expressiveness isn't as strong as when enlarged. Nonetheless, the readability is at a decent level. The 18-carat white gold applied markers and hands with Chromalight luminescent coating - Rolex's signature illumination - make time reading relatively convenient.
General Characteristics
The Oyster Perpetual versions in yellow Rolesor and with the Jubilee dial are equipped with the Rolex 3230 caliber - an automatic movement with time-only display. It features a Chronergy escapement and a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Like all modern Rolex models, these watches have a Superlative Chronometer certification, which was updated in 2026 with stricter precision criteria. The certification guarantees accuracy, power reserve, water resistance, and automatic winding efficiency according to Rolex's internal standards.
As expected, the Oyster Perpetual comes with an Oyster bracelet. This three-row steel construction dates back to the late 1930s and has become the standard for sporty bracelets. The bracelet is equipped with a folding Oysterclasp with an Easylink system, allowing the bracelet length to be increased by about 5 mm without tools. It looks good, feels pleasant, and functions excellently.
Are the Anniversary Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watches the Best Versions Ever?
It's difficult to answer this question objectively. Yes, the watches have an updated Superlative Chronometer certification, but in the future, all new OPs will have the same certification. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference. Despite the fact that the Jubilee dial version hypnotized and confused me, none of the anniversary models won me over. My favorite OPs in current production remain the 36mm ref. 126000, available in nine vibrant colors. My choice is not the OP with a silver, dark green, medium blue, black, beige, pink, turquoise, or lavender dial, but the one that resembles artisanal, not-too-sweet pistachio ice cream. It's my favorite "flavor." The OP 36 is like the perfect scoop of spring and summer watches, while the OP 41 is an extra scoop.
In conclusion, here are the prices for all the anniversary Oyster Perpetual models. The Oyster Perpetual 41 in yellow Rolesor (ref. 134303-0001) is priced at €9,400, while the 36 mm case (ref. 126003-0001) costs €8,250. The 36mm steel OP with the Jubilee dial (ref. 126000-0016) is priced at €6,500, the 31 mm version (ref. 277200-0019) at €6,100, and the 41 mm model (ref. 134300-0019) is sold for €6,850.
What are your thoughts? Which Rolex watches for the 100th anniversary of the Oyster case do you like the most? And which OP version is your favorite of all time? Please share in the comments.