From Robb Report · Carol Besler · · 1m 20s
Rolex brings back the Padellone
Rolex rarely does vintage revivals, which makes its new Perpetual Padellone a big signal to collectors.
In brief
Rolex rarely does vintage revivals, which makes its new Perpetual Padellone a big signal to collectors. Rolex is reviving one of its rarest collector favorites, a triple-calendar moon-phase watch tied to 1950s auction lore. Originally reported by Robb Report.
Rolex breaks pattern
Rolex has mostly avoided vintage-inspired releases, and it rarely adds new collections at all. That makes the Perpetual Padellone feel like a major move.
“Rolex has released very few, if any, vintage-inspired watches.”
A cult name returns
The new watch takes its name from the collector nickname for the Rolex reference 8171, a triple calendar with day, date, month, and moon phase.
“The name of the new Perpetual Padellone, launched today, is taken from the nickname of the watch that inspired it.”
Rare from the start
Rolex made the 8171 only for a few years in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Production was tiny, which helped build its later mystique.
“made by Rolex only for a few years”
Auction prices soared
The original Padellone has become a prize at auction. Depending on metal and condition, examples now sell from the mid-six figures to more than $1 million.
“selling in the mid-six figures to upwards of $1-million”
The frying pan clue
Padellone means large frying pan in Italian, a nod to the 8171's wide 38 mm case, flat profile, and slightly domed dial.
“Padellone means “large frying pan,” in Italian”
Milan closes the loop
Rolex launched the new model in Milan, the city linked to the original nickname. For collectors, the location is part of the message.
“It’s no mistake that the new watch was launched in Milan”
What it means
Rolex is reviving one of its rarest collector favorites, a triple-calendar moon-phase watch tied to 1950s auction lore.
