The Rolex watch nicknamed “Padellone” by collectors has made a comeback. This nickname was given to the reference 8171, a watch with a complete calendar and lunar phases produced between the late 1940s and early 1950s.
The reason for the nickname is quite intuitive. At a time when most men’s watches had a diameter of less than 35 mm, the reference 8171 had a generous case size of 38 mm, which was considered oversized for its time.
Today, the new Rolex Perpetual Padellone has a case size of 39 mm, which is exactly what one would expect from a watch in this category. The Rolex Perpetual Padellone is a watch with a complete calendar and lunar phases, just like its illustrious ancestor.
Watch Details
The calendar on the Rolex Perpetual Padellone is an instant-jump calendar, meaning that the day and date indicators jump instantly at midnight. The calendar, lunar phases, hours, minutes, and seconds are indicated on a dial with a grené finish on most of the surface and a satin finish along the edge.
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A central blue hand with a crescent moon tip indicates the current date on the periphery of the dial, where the date scale is engraved in black. Two apertures at 12 o’clock indicate the day and month, respectively, in English.
Caliber and Movement
The Rolex Perpetual Padellone is equipped with a new high-frequency caliber, the 7190, which oscillates at 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz), synonymous with precision. This caliber was developed from the 7135 caliber presented on the Land-Dweller at Watches and Wonders 2025.
The movement benefits from the same advanced adjustment system, consisting of a high-performance escapement and a latest-generation oscillator. The movement was completely developed and produced in-house by Rolex.
The caliber is thinner than most Rolex movements, a feature that does not prevent it from delivering exceptional performance. For example, the annual calendar mechanism integrated into the 7190 caliber is particularly innovative.
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Precious Materials and Reliability
The Perpetual collection, launched in 2023 with the 1908 model, now includes the Rolex Perpetual Padellone, available in three versions, all with a white dial and grené finish. One version has a case made of 18-carat Everose gold and is paired with a bracelet in the same material, known as the Settimo bracelet.
Another version is made of 950 platinum and features a black alligator leather strap with a Dualclasp closure. A third version, also in 18-carat Everose gold, is paired with a brown alligator leather strap, also with a Dualclasp closure.
The Rolex Perpetual Padellone is certified as a Superlative Chronometer, a designation exclusive to Rolex watches that have passed rigorous tests by independent Swiss institutions recognized internationally.
From 2026, the Superlative Chronometer certification includes three new verification criteria: resistance to magnetism, reliability, and sustainability.
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