Always on

This is the Perpetual rotor, Rolex’s automatic winding mechanism that enables the watch to be constantly wound by the wrist’s movement. Invented by the brand and patented, it was introduced in 1931. Since its inception, we have ceaselessly improved this groundbreaking innovation, which has brought the world of watchmaking into another dimension.

In a constant state of unstable equilibrium, the half-moon oscillating weight is beholden to Earth’s gravity. It cannot escape it. Therefore, it rotates with the wearer’s every gesture, and sways in one direction or the other. The energy generated by these oscillations is transferred to the mainspring, which is continually wound, through an innovative system comprised of reversing wheels and a gear train. Thus stored, the energy is released simultaneously to activate the movement, ultimately moving the hands of the watch. Regularly. Precisely. For though we all seek balance, it is imbalance that drives us to move, perpetually.