Rolex reaches deep into its archives for one of its most unexpected releases of 2026, reviving the celebrated “Padellone” concept more than seven decades after the original Ref. 8171 disappeared from production. The new Rolex Perpetual Padellone takes inspiration from that rare triple-calendar moonphase watch of 1949, even officially adopting its longstanding Italian nickname, while transforming the concept with thoroughly modern mechanics. Behind the vintage-inspired calendar display is the new caliber 7190, combining an instantaneous annual calendar with Rolex’s recently introduced 5Hz Dynapulse escapement.
The Rolex Perpetual Padellone features a 39mm case measuring 12.20mm thick and approximately 45mm from lug to lug, keeping its footprint surprisingly close to the unusually large 38mm proportions of the original Ref. 8171. Offered in either 18k Everose gold or 950 platinum, the fully polished case follows the elegant architecture established by the Perpetual 1908, including gently chamfered lugs and a distinctive bezel combining domed and finely fluted surfaces. Four recessed calendar correctors are integrated into the case flanks, controlling the month at 2 o’clock, date at 4 o’clock, moonphase at 8 o’clock and day at 10 o’clock.
On the flipside a screw-down fluted caseback incorporates a sapphire crystal that reveals the new caliber 7190. Its contemporary architecture is decorated with Rolex Côtes de Genève, while several jewels are surrounded by chatons and the automatic winding system is fitted with an oscillating weight fashioned from solid yellow gold. The display provides a rare opportunity to view the architecture and finishing of one of Rolex’s most technically advanced movements.
The classic push-pull crown controls winding and time-setting, while the four recessed correctors positioned along the case flanks provide individual access to the calendar and moonphase functions. Above the dial is a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, complementing the curved profile of the polished case and fluted bezel. Water-resistance can reach up to 50 meters (164 feet).
The Perpetual Padellone closely references the calendar architecture of the original Ref. 8171, with the date displayed around the perimeter, day and month presented through two apertures at 12 o’clock, and the moonphase positioned at 6 o’clock. The Everose gold versions receive an Intense White dial, while the platinum model is distinguished by Rolex’s characteristic Ice Blue. Both feature a matte, grained central surface surrounded by a raised, finely satin-finished date track. Applied numerals at 3 and 9 o’clock and faceted hour markers continue the visual language of the Perpetual 1908.
A blue PVD-coated central hand terminating in a crescent moon points to the date around the outer scale, while the principal handset consists of a faceted open-tip hour hand and pencil-shaped minute hand in polished 18k gold matched to the case material. Unlike the historical Padellone, which incorporated small seconds into its moonphase display, the new model uses central seconds. The day and month apertures at 12 o’clock form the visual centerpiece of the annual calendar, with the Haplos mechanism automatically distinguishing between months containing 30 and 31 days.
At 6 o’clock, a blue enamelled disc provides the backdrop for an elaborate moonphase display completing one rotation every lunar month, or approximately 29.53 days. The full moon is fashioned from meteorite with a black pad-printed face, while the new moon is also made from meteorite but treated with dark blue PVD and contrasting silver printing. Pad-printed silver stars complete the display, adding a more decorative element to the otherwise restrained calendar architecture.
Rolex Perpetual Padellone Annual Calendar
The “Rolex Perpetual Padellone Annual Calendar” (References below) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 7190 with 35 jewels and 36,000 vph. It comes equipped with bi-directional automatic winding, the silicon Dynapulse sequential distribution escapement, Syloxi hairspring, ceramic balance staff, variable-inertia balance, traversing balance bridge, Paraflex shock absorbers and the new Haplos instantaneous annual calendar displaying the date, day and month alongside a moonphase indication. Certified as a Superlative Chronometer after casing, it is rated to an accuracy of –2/+2 seconds per day. Power reserve can last up to approximately 66 hours, when fully wound.
Mounted on the Everose gold Ref. 53505-0002 is a matte brown alligator leather strap with green calfskin lining and tone-on-tone stitching, secured by Rolex’s Dualclasp double folding clasp.
The Everose Ref. 53505-0003 instead receives the Settimo bracelet, composed of seven rounded polished gold links and connected to the case through a patented curved end-link system, with a concealed folding Crownclasp completing the design.
The platinum Ref. 53506-0002 is mounted on a matte black alligator leather strap with green calfskin lining and tone-on-tone stitching, secured by a matching Dualclasp.
(Ref#: 53506-0002) - Made in Platinum on Leather Strap
MSRP: $72,100.00 USD * Approximately
(Ref#: 53505-0002) - Made in Everose Gold on Leather Strap
MSRP: $64,100.00 USD * Approximately
(Ref#: 53505-0003) - Made in Everose Gold on Settimo Bracelet
MSRP: $79,100.00 USD * Approximately
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