When Rolex unveiled the Perpetual 1908 in yellow gold paired with the gleaming Settimo bracelet earlier this year, it brought a new dimension to the brand’s understated dress watch line. Priced at CHF 33,400 at launch, the full-gold configuration seemed destined to track the rising value of gold, which has increased from US $3,120.93 per ounce on April 1 to around US $3,329.85 by June 10 – a 6.7% climb. Surprisingly, Rolex has yet to follow suit with a price adjustment, though history suggests it may be only a matter of time. 
With pricing aside, the true story here is the watch itself – how the addition of the Settimo bracelet elevates the 1908 from refined simplicity into something altogether more charismatic.
From Discreet Elegance to Confident Presence
The Perpetual 1908 replaced Rolex’s long-running Cellini collection in 2023, adopting a more modern profile without losing its traditional roots. On a leather strap, the watch is handsome but restrained – almost too polite for those seeking a touch of flair. The Settimo bracelet changes that instantly.
Crafted entirely in 18K yellow gold, this seven-row bracelet injects a sense of vibrancy and sophistication. The design features five narrower central links flanked by two wider outer links, all fully polished to a mirror-like shine. While undeniably eye-catching, the bracelet’s appeal is not purely visual; its construction is impressively supple and comfortable, aided by 18K gold screws for precise and secure sizing adjustments. 
Interestingly, the bracelet’s end links do not fully curve to embrace the case, instead leaving a deliberate gap that imparts a subtle vintage charm – softening what might otherwise be an overpowering full-gold statement.
A Dress Watch with Substance
The 39mm case is proportioned to strike a balance between modern wrist presence and classical elegance, measuring 47mm lug-to-lug with a slim 9.5mm thickness. Its partly domed, partly fluted bezel adds another layer of sophistication. Dial choices for the yellow gold version include black or white, the latter paired with applied Arabic numerals and stick markers for a slightly more traditional air.
Despite its precious-metal weight, the replica watch wears with excellent balance, a testament to Rolex’s ergonomic design. On the wrist, it feels solid yet refined – luxury you can literally feel.
Inside the 1908
Beneath the sapphire case back lies Rolex’s caliber 7140, a slim automatic movement designed for precision and reliability. It features the brand’s Chronergy escapement and Syloxi silicon hairspring for enhanced resistance to magnetism, offers a robust 66-hour power reserve, and runs at 4Hz with a precision rating of ±2 seconds per day. As with all modern Rolex movements, it is engineered for decades of dependable service. 
Not for the Timid Collector
The Perpetual 1908 in full yellow gold is too bold to compete in the most understated category of dress watches, yet it holds its own against heavyweights like the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse or Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso in full gold. While a recent comparison saw the Reverso narrowly claim victory, the fake Rolex offers its own unique combination of tradition, modernity, and unapologetic opulence.
The yellow gold Rolex Perpetual 1908 on the Settimo bracelet is not merely an accessory – it is a statement. It manages to be traditional yet contemporary, refined yet flamboyant, and undeniably Rolex. For the collector seeking a dress watch with genuine presence and enduring quality, it is a compelling proposition, one that delivers both technical mastery and that intangible “oomph” that turns admiration into desire.