Rolex have launched a brand new watch to complete surprise in Milan. The Perpetual Padellone is a 39mm annual-calendar moonphase that is now only the second model in Rolex’s Perpetual collection, launched by the brand three years ago.
The watch is inspired by a triple-calendar moonphase watch that Rolex made in the 1950’s and 1960’s that was affectionately termed the “padellone” by collectors, which translates to large frying pan in Italian. Now, Rolex have made the moniker the official name of the watch.
The Padellone features the day, date and month on the dial alongside two moons with slightly unnerving faces that were also featured on the original reference from the mid-century. The watch also features the 7190 movement, which means the calendar only needs changing once a year for February’s 28 day month.
The Padellone is available in either a leather strap or a link bracelet. Prices with the leather strap start from £49,150, while the bracelet will set you back just north of £60,000 for Rolex’s second brand new watch in as many years.
Rolex recently announced that they are auctioning four completely unique Daytona models in a charity auction – a world first for the brand.
As part of their Perpetual Planet Initiative, and in aid of the Federer Foundation and Leonardo DiCaprio’s charity Re:wild, the four watches will be sold individually at a Phillips hosted auction in London on September 28.
The four watches, which have vastly different styles, are all one-of-one but share the classic Daytona shape while every piece is also fitted with 54 brilliant-cut diamonds in its lug and crown.
The first, Spring, reference 126599 SAVL, features a white gold case and chrysoprase features 36 purple sapphires and another 11 act at hourmarkers with the Rolex crown remaining at 12 o’clock.
The second watch, Summer, reference 126595 SARO, is appropriately warm with a rose gold case contrasting sharply against the turqoise dial. The blast of colour is completed by bright ruby counters while the bezel shimmers with 36 pink sapphires.
When we get to Autumn, reference 126598 TML, we’re unsurprisingly getting into less garish colours with this watch dominated by its yellow dial and a bezel that possesses 36 green tourmalines. The watch is completed by a classic gold case and bracelet.
The final watch hitting the auction block, Winter, reference 126596 SABV, evokes Wimbledon with its blue-green dial and purple bezel. Made out of platinum, the bezel again features 36 sapphires that subtly change colour while diamonds are used to mark the hours.
It has been reported that Rolex initially planned to sell the four watches as a set with the going rate of around £4 million. However, it is said the company had more than 1,000 legitimate enquiries into the watches and with the auction for charity, it is expected the final total sale to be more than double the £4 million Rolex initially wanted.
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