Rolex just held a special event in Milano, Italia, introducing their new model named the "ROLEX PERPETUAL PADELLONE". The image below appears courtesy of Wei Koh from Revolution and shows the name Rolex chose for this new family of moonphase models. "Padellone" translated from Italian to English is "Large Frying Pan", which is a nickname Italian collectors used for referring to the original vintage Rolex Triple Date Moonphase watches made back in the late 1940s, and early 1950s, which carried a Rolex Reference number of 8171. It's interesting to see Rolex actually adopt a commonly used nickname to use as a formal name for a model, which demonstrates they are playful and fun.
The name "PERPETUAL PADELLONE" has already raised a few eyebrows in confusion, as the horological term "Perpetual" in the context of triple calendar moonphase models, like with Patek Philippe triple calendar models, has always been reserved for "Perpetual Calendar" models, of which the Rolex Perpetual Padellone" does not belong in, as it's an Annual Calendar, and NOT a Perpetual Calendar. I think it's safe to assume when Rolex refers to "Perpetual Padellone", the "perpetual" is referring to Rolex's automatic, self winding, automatic movement which they pioneered back in 1931, and have referred to ever since by that name.
The upside to the nickname "Perpetual Padellone" is it illiterates well, which may explain why Rolex chose this nomenclature.
One could imagine it was just a matter of time before Rolex brought back their Triple-Calendar MoonPhase. In Milan, Rolex held a special event to show off three new Rolex models.
Let's start with examining the rose gold model below which comes on an alligator strap. It features a really unusual for Rolex design language domed bezel with fluting.
18 kt Everose Gold Reference M53505-0002 $59,000
Next we see what is essentially the same rose gold model an a beautiful 7-link Rolex Jubilee style bracelet.
18 kt Everose Gold Reference M53505-0003
on Settimo Bracelet $72,800
Next we see a platinum version with the ice blue dial, and notice the dial on all these new Rolex Moonphase models feature a micro bead blasted finish, which was an interesting choice.
Platinum Reference with Ice Blue Dial M53506-0002 $66,200
This new model features a fascinating new annual calendar movement.
Speaking of definitive articles, if you are interested in learning all about the history of Rolex Triple Date Calendar Moonphase watches, be sure to check out my article named, "The Complete History of The Rolex Moonphase."
I wasn't invited to the event in Milan or briefed on the details, so all I really know is based upon some of the interesting video reviews I have seen which I am sharing below.
There are many subtle nuances for the operation of the Perpetual Padellone that make it operate differently than standard Rolex Oyster Perpetual models. For instance, if the power reserve runs out, and you want to restart the watch, unlike a standard Rolex automatic, you can't just start winding it by spinning it around in your hand to force the rotor to spin and "wake-up" the watch. Instead, as Rolex points out, you must first wind it 25 turns manually:
Historically Rolex has always been extremely secretive and discreet, and no journalists in the past have ever been invited "INSIDE ROLEX" to explore and report on all four Rolex Manufacturing faclities in Switzerland.
In November 2013, this changed when Rolex invited Jake to take an unprecdented journey into the heart of Rolex to learn and report on everything he witnessed and learned.
This Super-Detailed 3 Part Story is a "MUST READ" story for anybody who wants to understand what really makes Rolex tick.
