In 2020 Rolex relaunched the Oyster Perpetual with a new 41 mm size, a new movement and a burst of color. The 124300 became the largest Oyster Perpetual Rolex had ever made, and, thanks to dials in turquoise, yellow, coral red, green and more, one of the most talked-about watches of the year. It remains one of the smartest ways into a modern Rolex: all the Oyster build quality with none of the complications.
What are the 124300’s specifications?
| Specification | 124300 |
|---|---|
| Model | Oyster Perpetual 41 |
| Case | 41 mm, Oystersteel |
| Bezel | Smooth, polished Oystersteel |
| Crystal | Sapphire, no Cyclops (no date) |
| Movement | Calibre 3230, self-winding |
| Power reserve | About 70 hours |
| Water resistance | 100 m |
| Bracelet | Oyster, Oysterclasp with Easylink extension |
| Introduced | 2020 |
What changed from the 114300?
The 114300 was the 39 mm Oyster Perpetual made from 2015 to 2020, with the calibre 3132 and about 48 hours of power reserve. The 124300 grew to 41 mm, gained the calibre 3230 with the Chronergy escapement and about 70 hours of reserve, and received the new lacquered colors. Many buyers still like the 114300’s slightly smaller size and lower price. Both are excellent; the 124300 is the more contemporary watch.
Which dial colors are available?
- Black and bright blue: the classic, versatile choices, usually the most accessible.
- Silver: clean and easy to read.
- Green: a rich, sunray green.
- Lacquered colors: turquoise blue, candy pink, yellow and coral red, introduced in 2020. Some of these colors were produced for only a few years.
- Celebration: a turquoise dial with multicolored bubbles, introduced in 2023.
Lacquered colors and the Celebration dial usually command premiums over black, blue and silver. Browse our Celebration collection when available.
What is the Celebration dial?
The Celebration dial places colored bubbles in the same five lacquer colors across a turquoise background, a playful design unlike anything else in the Rolex catalog. It appeared on the 124300 and other Oyster Perpetual sizes in 2023. It divides opinion, which is part of its appeal; buyers who love it tend to love it a lot.
How does the 124300 wear?
At 41 mm with fairly short lugs and a thickness of about 11.7 mm, the 124300 wears like a slim sports watch. Without a rotating bezel it looks cleaner and a touch smaller than a Submariner, and it suits wrists from about 6.75 inches upward. On smaller wrists, the 36 mm 126000 is usually the better fit. Our Oyster Perpetual buying guide covers every size.
How does it compare with the Explorer and Datejust 41?
The Explorer 40 (224270) has a similar case size and time-only function with the famous 3-6-9 dial. The Datejust 41 adds a date and a Cyclops, and often a fluted bezel. The 124300 is the simplest and, in most dial colors, the least expensive of the three. If you never use a date and prefer a clean dial, it offers the same build quality for less.
What is it like to live with a 124300?
Owners often describe it as the Rolex they forget they are wearing, in the best possible sense. It is light for a 41 mm steel watch, the smooth bezel has no edges to catch on sleeves, and the Oyster bracelet with polished center links looks smart without looking flashy. The long power reserve means it survives a weekend in a drawer, and the 100-meter rating means you never need to take it off for a swim.
The one thing that takes some care is the polished bezel, which picks up fine scratches from desks and door frames. Most owners accept them as the honest marks of daily wear; a watchmaker can refinish the bezel lightly at service if you prefer it pristine.
Why no date and no rotating bezel?
That simplicity is deliberate, and it has real benefits. With no date, the dial is perfectly symmetrical and there is no Cyclops lens on the crystal. With no rotating bezel, the case profile is lower and cleaner. There are also fewer parts to service. The Oyster Perpetual has been Rolex’s purest expression of its original idea, a waterproof, self-winding, accurate watch, since the 1930s, and the 124300 is its largest and most modern form.
What should you check on a pre-owned 124300?
- The polished bezel. It shows scratches readily; light marks are normal.
- Lacquered dial condition. Colored lacquer dials should be flawless; any chip or scratch is costly to fix.
- Bracelet and clasp. Check the Oysterclasp for wear and the Easylink for smooth operation.
- Card date. Watches from 2020 onward may still have part of the five-year Rolex guarantee.
- Dial authenticity on rare colors. Discontinued colors carry premiums, which makes dial originality important.
How much does a pre-owned 124300 cost?
The 124300 has been one of the models most affected by color-driven demand since its launch. Classic dials trade close to the heart of the Oyster Perpetual market, while the rarest lacquered colors have at times sold at a large premium. As supply of every color builds on the pre-owned market, those premiums can change, so compare several current listings for the dial you want before deciding. The 124300 is one of the most accessible current Rolex sports-style watches. Black, blue and silver dials sit at the lower end; lacquered colors higher; the Celebration and some discontinued colors highest. Condition and papers move prices within each dial. Our live table below shows current asking prices, and every example we have is on our 124300 page.
Is the 124300 a good first Rolex?
Very much so. It has the same Oyster case, screw-down crown, 100-meter water resistance and Superlative Chronometer movement as more expensive models, without a date or bezel to pay for. It is also easy to wear with anything. Our best first Rolex guide compares it with the other usual candidates.
Why do some colors cost so much more?
It is worth remembering that the dial is the only difference; case, movement and bracelet are identical across colors. Supply and fashion. A few of the 2020 lacquered colors became cult favorites, and some were produced in smaller numbers or for shorter periods, so pre-owned demand outstrips supply. The watch underneath is identical. If you love a particular color, buy it; if you are neutral, black or blue gives you the same watch for less.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Rolex 124300 have a date?
No. The Oyster Perpetual 124300 shows hours, minutes and seconds only. For a date, look at the Datejust 41.
What movement is in the 124300?
The calibre 3230, a self-winding movement with about 70 hours of power reserve and Rolex’s Chronergy escapement, certified as a Superlative Chronometer.
Is the 124300 bigger than the 114300?
Yes. The 124300 is 41 mm; the 114300 it replaced was 39 mm.
Can you swim with a 124300?
Yes. It is water resistant to 100 meters with the crown screwed down, suitable for swimming.
