Reviewing entry-level pieces of such a prestigious brand as Rolex isn’t easy task at all. First, there are many watches produced by Rolex with prices significantly lower than the ones of the Rolex entry-level timepieces. Yes, I am thinking of Rolex’s baby-brand Tudor that is on a serious swing these days. So, the real question is: is the entry-level Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114200, a simple three-hander without even date complication, worth the premium price when compared to Tudor’s divers and chronographs?
The answer is actually not that simple. On the one hand, we have both retro and modern Tudors, with a built quality similar to the Rolex watches and with better water resistance and complications, and on the other – a brand recognition like no other in the business. The name of Rolex was, is and always will be a status symbol per se. While many wouldn’t recognize latest Tudor’s offering, literally everybody will know what it’s all about at the first glance of the new Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114200. And that is a force to reckon. But, let’s check out the watch itself.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114200 is an entry-level watch. Well, at least in a way, because with a price tag of more than 5000$ it’s hardly an inexpensive one. Anyway, being an entry-level doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get the shorter end when buying it. On the contrary, this is the watch that is absolutely fantastic and, in my humble opinion, maybe the quintessential Rolex, if there ever was one. With its case size of 34 mm, one may say that it is too small for today’s standards. I must strongly disagree. This is the watch that is so well designed and so perfectly balanced that size really doesn’t matter. Yeah, there are bigger fishes in the pond, but let’s be honest – who in his right mind would like to mess with a piranha? Despite its modest size, this watch doesn’t wear small. It is as substantial as any other stainless steel Rolex, with iconic Oyster bracelet that is among the best in the business and with a new, redesigned clasp which is an enormous improvement over the older models. Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114200 is made of 904L steel, a highly durable super-alloy that became legendary for its incredible resistance to corrosion. Water resistance is 100 m or 330 ft, which makes it well suited for all kinds of recreational activities in the water. It is powered by the ubiquitous caliber 3130, a proven workhorse that is, above all, made to last. It is well known for its precision and accuracy and is, of course, COSC certified.
This model is available with few different dial colors, and for our review we chose beautiful champagne dial. The dial in golden tones with light sunburst effect is absolutely gorgeous and one of the main reasons for choosing this particular watch. Its color is both fashionable and elegant, very modern in every way, yet with distinguished retro vibe that is present every time you look at the watch. To call it a watch for every occasion would be an understatement, but it is just what this watch is all about – a discreet all-rounder with heritage like no other and with nobility deeply rooted in it. This is the watch that goes well with sports equipment and swimming trunks as well as with some serious business attire. Its quality is simply amazing. Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114200 is one rock-solid timepiece that gives you that much needed feeling of freedom that you can do literally anything without even thinking that you have 5000$ watch strapped on your wrist.
So, at the end of the day, is Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114200 really worth the premium price over the likes of Tudor Black Bay and Pelagos? In my opinion, it certainly is. Like I said before, this is the watch that is both sporty and elegant, with such brand recognition that simply cannot be beaten, even by its bestselling stable-mate. Wearing it makes you feel proud for accomplishing such a feat, and by that I mean owning the watch that will one day become your own legacy and heritage of some sort. When it comes to entry-level watches, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114200 is the best there is, a full-thoroughbred Rolex that is both joy to see and own.
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