28.10.2026
Milan’s historic Palazzo Serbelloni hosted the exclusive launch of Rolex’s new Perpetual Padellone on 15 September 2026. Attended by a distinguished gathering of guests, the evening was accompanied by a live performance from Michael Bublé, set against the grandeur of the palace’s historic interiors. As Rhodium, we were also present from Türkiye to witness this special occasion, which stood out for taking place outside Rolex’s customary spring launch calendar. By choosing September for a presentation separate from the busy watch fair schedule, the brand created a dedicated moment for the Padellone to tell its own story.
Joining the Perpetual collection following the introduction of the Perpetual 1908 in 2023, the new model draws inspiration from the historic Rolex reference 8171. Known among Italian collectors for its wide case and affectionately nicknamed Padellone, meaning “large frying pan” in Italian, the historic timepiece lends its enduring nickname to an official Rolex model for the first time. The choice of Milan as the setting for the launch serves as an elegant tribute to this historical connection.
The historic character of Palazzo Serbelloni, the distinguished guest list and Michael Bublé’s performance elevated the occasion beyond a conventional product launch. As Rhodium, witnessing the event firsthand, we saw how the Perpetual Padellone represents more than a new timepiece: it is a contemporary interpretation of a story rooted in collector culture. Bringing the heritage of the past together with modern watchmaking, the model offers a fresh perspective on Rolex’s enduring design philosophy.
The choice of Milan for the launch was no coincidence. The new model traces its roots to the Rolex reference 8171, produced in the late 1940s and throughout the 1950s. With its broad, flat case, the historic timepiece caught the attention of Italian collectors, who gave it the nickname Padellone, or “large frying pan.” Over the decades, the name became an enduring part of collector culture.
Today, Rolex has transformed this long-standing collector’s nickname into an official model name for the first time. Milan, the city closely associated with the origins of the name, thus becomes a fitting setting for this new chapter in the watch’s story.
With its 39 mm case, the Perpetual Padellone pays tribute to its historic predecessor while offering a contemporary interpretation. The model is available in platinum and 18 ct Everose gold. Day and month displays sit in two windows at 12 o’clock, while a blue hand indicates the date around the dial. The moonphase display at 6 o’clock completes the composition. Particularly striking is the platinum version, whose ice-blue dial and meteorite details evoke the beauty of the night sky.
At the heart of the watch, the new Calibre 7190 combines an annual calendar with modern mechanical innovation. Its mechanism automatically distinguishes between months with 30 and 31 days, requiring a calendar adjustment only once a year, when February transitions into March. This technical sophistication is seamlessly integrated into Rolex’s signature approach to clarity and understated elegance.
The specially developed Settimo bracelet completes the design with its polished links and concealed clasp. An alligator leather strap is also available, offering a more traditional interpretation of the watch’s refined character.
