One of the most notable releases from Rolex at Watches & Wonders 2024 was the Perpetual 1908.
Rolex Perpetual 1908 - Credit Rolex
The Swiss watch giant launched the 1908 collection just last year, naming it after one of their first watches fitted with a Perpetual rotor. In line with its predecessor, today’s line-up features a range of traditional-looking dress watches with a small seconds displays, fluted bezels and slender profile.
But while previous Rolex Perpetual 1908 watches have always opted for simpler, more restrained dials, this year’s novelty went for bolder decoration. It paired its crisp platinum case with a stunning ice blue-coloured guilloche dial. With its sombre elegance, refined display and high grade chronometer movement, it’s easy to see why so many have named it their favourite Rolex release from Watches & Wonders 2024. But, with a price tag of £26,600, it’s not a watch easily accessible to everyone. So instead, here are our recommendations for those looking for affordable alternatives to the Rolex Perpetual 1908…
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time on Leuven Cavallo Flat Handmade Horse Leather Watch Strap - Credit WatchGecko
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- $210.00 AUD
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- $210.00 AUD
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- $210.00 AUD
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One of the most beautiful and affordable dress watches on the market is the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time, and as you can see, reference SRPB43J1 shares a lot of similarities with the Rolex Perpetual 1908. It presents its own super slender case, one engineered from stainless steel with a width of 40.5mm and a height of 11.8mm, and a beautifully textured ice blue dial. The dial isn’t guilloche, but it has a super intricate sunray finish with grooved detailing for a similar light play effect. The dial delivers classic time and date function powered by the in-house Calibre 4R35 automatic movement. Price: £350
BALL Trainmaster Eternity
BALL Trainmaster Eternity - Credit BALL
A brand that doesn’t get enough attention is BALL Watch Company, and while best known for their robust and aggressive sports watches, they also have a rather spectacular selection of dress watches carefully hidden in their portfolio. Named the Trainmaster Eternity, these watches are luxurious yet minimalistic, finished to an extremely high standard. In the instance of the Ice Blue model, the dial is decorated in a pastel blue hue and uniquely engraved with a bark-like finish. The case sits at 39.5mm wide and 11.8mm tall and has a real vintage personality thanks to the domed crystal and unusual knurled crown. Like all BALL watches, this automatic model features the brand’s micro gas tube technology on the dial for self-powered glow in the dark capability. Price: £1,731
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Light Blue
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Light Blue - Credit Tissot
Another affordable alternative to the Rolex Perpetual 1908 is the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Ice Blue. This watch has a less traditional dress watch look, opting for a sporty integrated architecture and ample brushed finishing, but with its detailed dial, extended power reserve and accessible price point, it’s one worth mentioning. The 1970’s inspired barrel-shaped case sits at 40mm wide and 10.9mm tall and is joined by sapphire crystal glass and a seamless integrated bracelet. The light blue dial has a cool waffle effect and a date window at 3 o’clock, powered by the Swatch Group’s Powermatic 80 automatic winding movement with a weekend-proof 80-hour power reserve. Price: £640.
Grand Seiko Spring Drive Skyflake
Grand Seiko Spring Drive Skyflake - Credit Grand Seiko
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- $268.00 AUD
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- $268.00 AUD
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- $268.00 AUD
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- $268.00 AUD
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- $268.00 AUD
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Grand Seiko’s “Snowflake” series is a great choice for anyone looking for a luxury watch with exceptional dial and case design. But, of them all, the Grand Seiko Spring Drive “Skyflake” closely resembles the Rolex Perpetual 1908 with its own textured ice blue dial. The pale blue surface is subtly textured to replicate the look of a rough snow surface caused by severe cold. It also has a navy blue seconds hand, date complication and a power reserve indicator. The model is driven by Grand Seiko’s famous Spring Drive movement which is protected within a 40.2mm wide Zaratsu-polished steel case. Price: £5,500
Louis Erard Petite Seconde Bleu Glacier
Louis Erard Petite Seconde Bleu Glacier - Credit Louis Erard
Our final affordable alternative to the Rolex Perpetual 1908 is this stunning Louis Erard Petite Seconde Bleu Glacier watch. As its name suggests, this model has a deep ice blue dial with circular satin-brushed finishing, dark blue hands and numerals and a snailed small seconds counter at 6 o’clock. The dial is surrounded by a fixed, unadorned bezel and 39mm wide case in stainless steel. There’s also domed sapphire crystal glass, an automatic winding movement and a grained calfskin leather strap dyed in the same hue as the ice blue dial. Price: £2,500.
