While the original 1908 had a solid yet understated appeal, this year’s platinum version elevates the design, turning it into a standout piece in Rolex’s lineup.
The 2024 Rolex Perpetual 1908, now in platinum, showcases a striking “rice-grain” guilloche pattern on an icy-blue dial. This textured pattern not only adds depth to the dial but also transforms the 1908 into a compelling luxury watch. Despite a relatively subdued release year for replica Rolex, the platinum 1908 shines through as a highlight.
Like its predecessors, the 1908 in platinum measures 39mm in diameter and 9.5mm in thickness. As is typical of Rolex’s platinum models, it features a captivating icy blue dial. This year, however, the dial’s intricate guilloche pattern takes center stage, adding sophistication and refinement to the piece. Rolex utilized traditional guilloche techniques to achieve this, although the execution is more industrialized now. In person, the dial’s texture is subtler than what earlier press images suggested, adding a sophisticated touch to the overall design.
Last year’s 1908 models, while elegant, felt somewhat sparse with their largely unadorned dials. The introduction of the guilloche pattern has rectified this, making the dial more visually engaging. The pattern radiates from the center, and the minute track is bordered by a crimped guilloche, adding even more complexity and allure to the dial.
Cheap Rolex continues to use the caliber 7140, introduced with the gold 1908 models last year. This movement features Rolex’s Syloxi silicon hairspring, which was previously reserved for smaller models like the 31mm Datejust. The combination of the Syloxi hairspring and Rolex’s Chronergy escapement marks a notable step forward in the brand’s movement innovation. As expected, the 7140 caliber is a Superlative chronometer, boasting a 66-hour power reserve and a gold automatic rotor, all beating at 4 Hz.
The platinum 1908 comes paired with a matte alligator strap, available in brown or black, and is fastened by a platinum deployant clasp with a green interior lining. Rolex named the collection after the year Hans Wilsdorf trademarked the name “Rolex,” although the design of the 1908 draws inspiration from later vintage models like the Bubbleback. The influence of those classic watches is evident in the dial layout and numerals, though the modern execution of the 1908 stands firmly in the present.
Despite its large 39mm size, the 1908 remains a very wearable dress watch, thanks in part to its slim profile and partially fluted bezel, which maintains a refined balance. The sapphire caseback provides a glimpse into the movement while still offering 50 meters of water resistance. My only critique would be the design of the hands, which take inspiration from vintage observatory-style hands. While interesting, they feel slightly out of place on the otherwise modern 1908.
Priced at $30,900, the platinum clone Rolex 1908 is a solid offering in the luxury dress watch segment. While it may not necessarily outshine all its competitors at this price point, it brings a level of craftsmanship and refinement that makes it a worthy contender. Positioned as a “tribute to the classic art of watchmaking,” the Perpetual 1908 collection complements Rolex’s Professional sports fake watches. Rolex’s venture into guilloche work hints at exciting future possibilities for the collection, and I hope we see even more exploration of craftsmanship and complications in the years to come.