Rolex rarely surprises the watch world, but on 15 September 2026 it did exactly that. The new Rolex Perpetual Padellone revives one of the most collectable vintage Rolex designs ever made and pairs it with a brand-new annual calendar movement. For collectors in Dubai and across the UAE, it is already one of the most talked-about luxury watches of the year. Here is everything you need to know.
What Is the Rolex Perpetual Padellone?
The Perpetual Padellone is a dress watch with an annual calendar and moonphase, part of Rolex's elegant Perpetual line alongside the Perpetual 1908. It is a permanent collection model, not a limited edition, and it is offered in three versions: two in 18k Everose gold and one in 950 platinum.
The name comes from the Italian nickname "Padellone" – roughly "big frying pan" – that collectors gave to the vintage Rolex reference 8171 because of its large, flat dial.
The Legend Behind It: Rolex Ref. 8171
Launched in 1949, the original reference 8171 was a 38 mm triple calendar moonphase made only until 1953. Around 1,000 to 1,200 pieces were produced in steel and yellow gold, which makes it one of the rarest complicated Rolex watches of the era.
Today, good examples sell for six figures at auction, and an exceptional piece reached CHF 980,000 at Phillips Geneva in 2019.
The new Perpetual Padellone keeps the spirit of that grail watch – day and month windows at 12 o'clock, a central date hand and a moonphase at 6 o'clock – while bringing it fully up to modern Rolex standards.
Rolex Perpetual Padellone Specifications
- References: 53505-0002 (Everose, strap), 53505-0003 (Everose, Settimo bracelet), 53506-0002 (platinum, strap)
- Case: 39 mm diameter, 12.2 mm thick, 18k Everose gold or 950 platinum
- Bezel: domed, finely fluted
- Crystal: domed sapphire, plus a sapphire display caseback
- Water resistance: 50 metres
- Dial: Intense White (Everose) or Ice Blue (platinum)
- Complications: annual calendar (day, date, month) and moonphase
- Movement: Rolex Calibre 7190, automatic, 5 Hz, 35 jewels
- Escapement: Rolex Dynapulse
- Power reserve: 66 hours
- Accuracy: Superlative Chronometer, –2/+2 seconds per day
- Strap/bracelet: alligator leather with Dualclasp, or the Everose Settimo bracelet with concealed Crownclasp
Design: Vintage Soul, Modern Precision
The dial is the star. A matte grained centre is framed by a raised date track, read by a blue central hand tipped with a small crescent moon. The day and month sit in twin windows at 12 o'clock, while the blue enamelled moonphase at 6 o'clock features full and new moons cut from meteorite. Applied numerals at 3 and 9 and faceted gold markers complete a dial that is classic, balanced and unmistakably Rolex.
At 39 mm, the case is sized for everyday elegance. Discreet correctors on the case flank let you adjust the month, date, moonphase and day individually.
The New Calibre 7190 and Dynapulse Escapement
Inside is the new in-house Calibre 7190. It builds on the architecture of the movements in the Land-Dweller and Perpetual 1908, beating at a high 36,000 vibrations per hour. Its Dynapulse escapement is described as around 30% more efficient than a conventional Swiss lever escapement, which helps deliver a generous 66-hour power reserve.
The annual calendar uses Rolex's new "Haplos" system. It recognises 30- and 31-day months automatically and changes instantly at midnight, so it needs just one manual correction a year, at the end of February.
Rolex Perpetual Padellone Price
Rolex's official Swiss retail prices (including VAT) are:
- Ref. 53505-0002 – Everose gold, white dial, brown alligator strap: CHF 52,500
- Ref. 53506-0002 – Platinum, ice blue dial, black alligator strap: CHF 59,000
- Ref. 53505-0003 – Everose gold, Settimo bracelet: CHF 64,800
UAE retail prices vary, and as with most new Rolex releases, demand is expected to far exceed supply. Contact our team for current availability and market pricing in Dubai.
Is the Perpetual Padellone Worth It?
For collectors who already own a Submariner, Daytona or Day-Date, the Perpetual Padellone offers something different: a true dress complication with a genuine historical story. Its links to the rare ref. 8171, its precious-metal-only production and an entirely new movement give it strong long-term collector appeal.
Buy Rolex in Dubai with 971 Watch Co
Looking for a trusted Rolex watch dealer in Dubai? At 971 Watch Co, we help collectors across the UAE find the luxury watches they want – from modern Rolex releases to rare pre-owned pieces from Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille. Every watch we sell is carefully checked for authenticity and condition.
Interested in the Rolex Perpetual Padellone or another Rolex model? Get in touch with our team today and let a luxury watch dealer in Dubai you can trust help you find your next timepiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Rolex Perpetual Padellone released?
Rolex introduced the Perpetual Padellone on 15 September 2026.
How much is the Rolex Perpetual Padellone?
Swiss retail prices start at CHF 52,500 for the Everose gold strap model and go up to CHF 64,800 for the Everose gold Settimo bracelet version.
Is the Perpetual Padellone a perpetual calendar?
No. Despite the "Perpetual" name, it is an annual calendar. It needs one adjustment each year at the end of February.
Can I buy the Rolex Perpetual Padellone in Dubai?
Yes. Contact 971 Watch Co, a luxury watch dealer in Dubai, to ask about availability and sourcing.
