In 2015, Rolex launched the Oyster Perpetual in 39 mm (“OP39”) to a heat reception. Once I tried it on at that yr’s Baselworld (oh, the recollections!), I used to be impressed that at 39 mm Rolex had chosen the proper measurement for its entry-level metal sports activities watch, one which match most individuals no matter gender or wrist measurement, and (comparatively) moderately priced at $5,700.
Not like the Rolex Daytona and Submariner fashions, the sporty Oyster Perpetuals have been (and stay) a lot simpler to buy with little to no wait time from licensed sellers.
Whereas all this sounded good, my pleasure was short-lived as I didn’t discover any of the three colours Rolex supplied on the time – darkish rhodium, crimson grape, or blue – to be very compelling. I assumed that I’d ultimately get uninterested in any one in every of these colours.
But the proper measurement and slim profile of the Oyster Perpetual 39 mm haunted me sufficient to place it on my “should purchase” record.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 mm with white dial Reference 114300 (photograph courtesy Peter Tung)
Three years later, in 2018, Rolex surprisingly launched two extra colours for the OP39: black and white. I didn’t get an opportunity to see both of them within the steel at the moment, however I heard from different journalists and bloggers that the white dial model was one of many nicest watches of the yr.
One even referred to it as a grail watch. Gary Shteyngart, American novelist and famous watch collector, described the OP39 white dial as his “exit watch.”
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 mm: my winding journey
As a result of I wasn’t completely satisfied sufficient with the primary dial colours supplied on the launch of the Oyster Perpetual 39 mm, in my seek for the best 39 mm Rolex, I positioned the Explorer 1 (Reference 214270), which can also be 39 mm in diameter, on my must-buy record.
I finally purchased an Explorer 1 from a Rolex boutique in Prague and was completely satisfied carrying it for some time. In 2019, I attended an informal get-together (oh, the recollections!) with couple of watch collectors, one in every of whom introduced his OP39 with white dial on a pleasant vintage-style inexperienced leather-based strap.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 mm with white dial Reference 114300 (photograph courtesy Peter Tung)
I really feel embarrassed admitting now that I didn’t care to see his A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk or his different indie watches as I used to be laser-focused on the OP39.
My first impression was that it isn’t precisely a white dial. Even underneath brilliant gentle, it’s extra an eggshell white. This provides the dial a hotter hue in comparison with the stark white dial of the Rolex Explorer 2.
Regardless that the Oyster Perpetual 39 mm was the least costly Rolex sports activities watch, it’s outfitted with the identical white gold fingers and markers because the model’s costliest sports activities watch. The case has a slim profile and is brushed on the floor, polished on the perimeters, and sports activities a cultured bezel.
The eggshell dial softens the general look in distinction to the polished bezel.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 mm with white dial Reference 114300 (photograph courtesy Peter Tung)
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 mm with white dial
It was love at first sight! I put the Oyster Perpetual 39 mm on my wrist and instantly thought it was the proper GADA (Go Wherever, Do Something) watch. If I used to be a one-watch particular person (oh, the recollections!), this may have been it.
I might put on it with none hesitation with good enterprise apparel, enterprise informal garments, or a carefree t-shirt and denims. I might go from workplace to pool with no drawback since this watch is water-resistant to 100 meters. Throughout the winter, I might change the bracelet to a cushty leather-based strap and it wouldn’t take something away from being an on a regular basis watch. It oozes versatility.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 mm with white dial Reference 114300 (photograph courtesy Peter Tung)
Quick ahead to early summer season of 2020: I contacted the Rolex boutique in Prague for a go to in August, who agreed to carry each an OP39 in white and a Submariner Reference 114060 for me.
In the meantime, I made a decision to promote my Explorer 1 to a very good photographer good friend in Prague effectively under the resale worth (oh, the recollections!) to make room (and price range) for these two new watches. The Explorer simply didn’t resonate with me; I thought-about it as one thing between the Oyster Perpetual and the Submariner.
On the night of August 31, I picked up each the OP39 white and the Submariner. And fewer than 24 hours later Rolex discontinued each watches!
Whereas the Submariner was upgraded with a extra symmetrical design and a extra sturdy motion, it was stunning to study that the OP39 was discontinued after simply two years in manufacturing. Comparatively talking, there have been possible not that most of the white dial variations manufactured. Even so, with a lot adulation from lovers and insiders it was shocking that Rolex discontinued it inside two years.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 mm with white dial Reference 114300 (photograph courtesy Peter Tung)
Rolex changed the OP39 mm with a bigger 41 mm Oyster Perpetual in a wide range of colourful dials, a evenly redesigned dial format, and a more moderen motion. The OP41 turned out to be wildly standard with its “Stella-inspired” dials – just like the one GaryG acquired in Why I Purchased It: Rolex Stella-Impressed Oyster Perpetual 41 With Turquoise Blue Dial – because it supplied extra of a playful type of sports activities watch that may be worn by anybody.
Even with the success of the marginally bigger new Oyster Perpetual fashions, the OP39 is sorely missed as many social media posts and articles attest. Rolex had created an ideal on a regular basis watch, and plenty of watch lovers who had it on their quick lists missed out on the chance. Because of the quick run, second-hand costs have skyrocketed north of $9,000 and certain will solely go larger as provide diminishes and demand rises.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 mm with white dial Reference 114300 (photograph courtesy Peter Tung)
I can effectively perceive why Mr. Shteyngart referred to as the OP39 an “exit watch.” I can image simply carrying my OP39 effectively into my retirement till it turns into often known as “Dad’s watch.”
My spouse doesn’t take care of many of the watches my assortment, however this Rolex is one we each agree on and share. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 mm White Dial will even be a fond reminiscence of our fortunate go to to the Prague Rolex boutique, not realizing the bombshell information that might drop the very subsequent day.
Fast Info Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 White Dial (Reference 114300)
Case: 39 x 11.5 mm, Oystersteel (904L chrome steel)
Motion: automated Caliber 3132, 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency, 48-hour energy reserve, Parachrom anti-magnetic hairspring
Features: hours, minutes, seconds
Value at introduction in 2015: $5,700; present pre-owned costs vary as much as and past $9,000
*This text was first revealed on March 5, 2021 at Why I Purchased It (The Day Earlier than It Was Discontinued): Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 With White Dial Reference 114300.
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