Hey watch fam, long time no see! This is your senior editor from watchi.co. After over a decade in the luxury watch game, I’ve seen styles come and go, but Rolex always knows how to stir the pot. Today, we’re talking about the star of the 2025 show: the Rolex Perpetual 1908 (Ref. 52508) in yellow gold with the all-new gold bracelet.
The Background: The Renaissance of the Dress Watch As we know, Rolex is the king of tool watches (Submariners, Daytonas), but their dress watch history has been a bit hit-or-miss. The Cellini line never quite captured the “Rolex soul.” That changed in 2023 with the 1908, named after the year Hans Wilsdorf registered the brand. For 2025, Rolex upped the ante by introducing the “Settimo” bracelet. It’s not just a strap swap; it’s a statement that Rolex is ready to reclaim the dress watch throne.
Specs & Technical Details First, let’s talk numbers. The 52508 features a perfect 39mm case with a slim profile of just 9.5mm. It’s designed to slide effortlessly under a tuxedo cuff.
- The Bracelet: The showstopper is the 18K yellow gold Settimo 7-link bracelet. It’s a “rice-grain” style design where every link is mirror-polished, creating a jewelry-like shimmer on the wrist. The hidden Crownclasp makes the flow seamless.
- The Dial: Available in intense white or matte black. It features a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock and a railway minute track, giving it a heavy vintage vibe.
- The Movement: Powered by the Calibre 7140. For a rare change, Rolex included a sapphire display back, letting you admire the “Rolex Côtes de Genève” finish and the 18K gold rotor. With a 66-hour power reserve and +/-2 seconds daily accuracy, it’s a beast in a suit.
Expert Opinion & Community Feedback The 1908 is polarizing. Enthusiasts praise it as the best Rolex dress watch in decades, especially the comfort of the Settimo bracelet. However, the comments section is buzzing:
- Price: At approximately €35,900 ($51,000+), critics argue it’s entering Patek Philippe territory, making the value proposition tricky.
- Design Details: Some purists feel the “Mercedes-style” hour hand is too thick for a refined dress watch.
- Flash Factor: A fully polished gold bracelet is a lot of “bling”—some find it a bit too loud for a traditional gentleman’s watch.
Final Verdict & Your Dream Watch In my 10+ years of experience, the 52508 is a masterpiece of presence. But let’s be real: spending $50k on a dress watch isn’t for everyone. If you’re obsessed with this gold aesthetic but your budget says otherwise, watchi.co is here for you. We offer AAA top-quality replica Rolex 1908 52508 watches. Our versions perfectly replicate the 39mm dimensions, the stunning back-thru movement, and the intricate polish of the Settimo bracelet at a fraction of the cost. Visit watchi.co to fulfill your Rolex dream today!