Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36

The Oyster Perpetual has been an independent collection in luxury watch giant Rolex's catalog since 1959. The line is home to affordable alternatives to classics like the Rolex Datejust and Day-Date.

The original size of the watch upon its release was 36 mm, which makes the modern Oyster Perpetual 36 a direct descendant of the original model. Along with the diameter, current versions share some other similarities with the original. For example, Rolex offers the Oyster Perpetual 36 exclusively in stainless steel, usually with the same sporty Oyster bracelet, and there is no date display.

The Oyster case of the Oyster Perpetual 36 boasts the same look as that of the Datejust, with a screw-down case back and screw-down crown that make it water-resistant up to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft). The dial design of the current models, with its applied luminescent baton indices, is also borrowed from the Datejust as well, although the Oyster Perpetual 36 has a more harmonious appearance thanks to the absence of a date display.

In older iterations of the Oyster Perpetual 36, however, Rolex experimented with other dial variants. For example, you'll often find models with dials that are strongly reminiscent of the Rolex Explorer, thanks to the large numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. There are also dials that Rolex fans refer to as "Harley-Davidson dials". These also have applied numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, but the remaining indices are white printed numerals in 5-minute increments. The center of the black dial is surrounded by an orange ring with the words "Oyster Perpetual Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified."

Follow the Rainbow: Dial Color Options in the Current Collection

The Oyster Perpetual 36 has been one of the most colorful collections in the Rolex lineup for many years. Along with traditional colors like black or silver, current dial color options include blue, green, pink, and turquoise. The latter variant is often referred to as the "Rolex Tiffany" because it is similar to the famous Tiffany blue. At Chrono24, you can also find dials in bright red or rich yellow. Those who like a bit more flair should take a look at versions with a "Celebration Dial," which is reminiscent of confetti.

You can buy a newer model of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 in mint-condition for between about 7,400 and 16,800 USD on Chrono24. The lower end of this spectrum will get you an entry-level model like ref. 116000 with a silver, blue, or gold dial. Models with an "Explorer" or "Harley-Davidson" dial will set you back about 8,200 USD.

Colored dials tend to be a bit more expensive, so expect to shell out between 15,200 and 16,800 USD for an unworn Oyster Perpetual 36 with a red, yellow, or turquoise dial.

Prices for Vintage Oyster Perpetual 36 Models

Due to its long production, there are many vintage Oyster Perpetual 36 watches on the market. Depending on the particular model, plan to spend between 2,200 and 10,800 USD on a well-maintained specimen.

What's the wait time for an Oyster Perpetual 36?

Depending on the dial, the average wait time for a Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 at a brick-and-mortar store is between a few months and a year (as of early 2024). On marketplaces like Chrono24, however, most references are available immediately, albeit at a premium.

Is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 a women's watch?

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 is a unisex watch that can be worn by men, women, and non-binary watch lovers, thanks to its moderate diameter of 36 mm.