Rolex Oyster Perpetual '100 Years': Should You Buy?

Reflecting on changes, endings, and the passage of time, my phone buzzed with a notification that instantly caught my attention.

For many years, readers of WatchTested have known that I have been collecting watches for almost two decades, with a particular focus on Rolex. Although I am not an official expert on the brand, I consider myself a deep enthusiast and a happy owner of watches I have managed to acquire and get to know. Even with this experience, I was surprised when at the end of May, a local boutique informed me they had something special worth considering. It was the new Rolex Oyster Perpetual '100 Years' in a 36mm case, exact reference - 126003.

I had read articles and reviews this year, but due to many events in my personal life, I initially didn't realize how important this year was for the brand. Before visiting the boutique, I decided to refresh my memory about the OP100, as we will call this model going forward.

History and Features of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual '100 Years'

After studying all the materials - articles, videos, and reviews - I was increasingly drawn to the watch, not because of the hype but because it was precisely that celebratory release that fits organically into Rolex traditions, remaining restrained and elegant. Over the years, I have realized that owning watches and loving watches are not always the same, despite the common opinion "just buy it, because it might be a rare Rolex." When I first held the OP100 in my hands, I felt that my approach to choosing watches had changed.

The surprise was not that the watch seemed special. It was surprising how familiar it was. Instead of the usual excitement of buying a new accessory, I experienced a feeling of recognition. The green color, gold, the texture of the dial - all this reminded me of watches that were once in my collection. The green logo and corresponding markers reminded me of the green Submariner LV, which I once sold to pay for my children's orthodontic treatment. Green is a very personal color for me, as I am partially colorblind, and many shades of green simply do not register with me. The ability to see a 'green Rolex' holds special significance for me.

I am also attracted to the warmth and status that yellow gold gives to the watch. I belong to the minority of collectors who prefer two-tone models, and my collecting habits have always included two-tone references. In the OP100, the two-tone is implemented subtly - only the bezel and crown are made of gold, which looks fresh and interesting. It reminds me of the two-tone Daytona in my collection with its smooth yet shiny gold bezel.

The deep slate-colored dial with a sunburst effect finally reinforced the connection with my collection. Over the years, such dials have been my favorites - their texture and play of light are captivating. I recall my Datejust with a 'pie-pan' dial and the beautiful blue Submariner - reminders that the 'sunburst' dial has always been an important part of my watch passion. What surprised me most was that none of these elements individually would have been a sufficient reason for purchase.

Green, gold, the dial, and the anniversary markers - all these little things together create a watch that seems to reflect many Rolex references I have enjoyed over the years. Perhaps for the first time, I did not compare the new watch with the collection but saw in it a reflection of my collector's journey.

Anniversary Markers and Design Features

A lot of attention online is devoted to the special markings dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the waterproof Oyster case. For any other brand, such details would be too modest. The inscription '100 Years', replacing 'Swiss Made' at the bottom of the dial, is minimal and barely noticeable, and the '100' on the gold crown is slightly larger but also not eye-catching. That's all - no engravings on the case back or clasp, no cartoon characters or interchangeable straps.

However, for Rolex, such subtle details are exceptional. It's a small but important sign of a big anniversary. Would the watch community have accepted this model as an anniversary edition if the markings were absent? Perhaps. The original release green Submariner, the current Sea-Dweller 43, and the platinum Daytona are considered anniversary models without any textual mentions. The Jubilee dials of the 1980s, now revived in another special Oyster Perpetual version for 2026, are close to the anniversary theme but do not indicate a specific event.

It seems only the centennial anniversary could justify breaking the traditional formula and placing text on the dial and crown. One might speculate that the next 100-year anniversary of the Datejust model won't be until 2045, and we might see something similar then.

Collection Choice and Pricing Policy

I also appreciate that Rolex chose the most accessible collection for the anniversary, rather than one of its flagship models made of precious metals. There is something symbolic about marking the centenary of the Oyster with a watch that remains (theoretically) accessible to ordinary enthusiasts, not just the top tier of collectors.

At a price of $10,700 (CAD) the Rolex Oyster Perpetual '100 Years' is cheaper than the Omega Speedmaster Professional and sits at the lower end of Rolex's retail price range for 2026. I believe it was a thoughtful decision by the brand not to assign the anniversary model status to new all-gold OP versions (priced around $50,000). The Oyster originally appeared in 1926 as an affordable yet durable watch for people who needed a reliable timekeeping tool in an era of change.

Practicality and Personal Impressions

I like the idea of wearing the OP100 in almost any life situation. However, it remains unclear whether the status as a limited and special model will affect the frequency of wearing it - I already notice that I wear it more selectively than other watches.

After twenty years of studying Rolex, I finally realized: collecting is not so much about finding the perfect watch, but understanding why certain models continue to matter to me and to a wider audience. Watches help mark important life stages, and in an interesting turn of fate, it was the watch marking its important event that found me.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 '100 Years': Price and Availability

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 '100 Years' is available at official Rolex dealers.