The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Pistachio could be the perfect everyday watch

Words + Photos: Jack Shepherdson

We’re certainly back in the grasp of earth tones. Light matcha-coloured green is inescapable, in everything from this season's clothes and accessories to your coffee cup. My theory? As we’re increasingly removed from our natural world, we’re beginning to see a revolt, and a push for more nature in our lives.

Enter the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Pistachio. Whilst Rolex has made green dials for decades, we’ve never seen one with a tone this natural. Such a small change has completely altered this Rolex’s personality.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual exists in conflict with itself. On one hand, it’s the entry-level Rolex, the most affordable and pared-back model the Crown has ever made. On the other hand, it’s perhaps the purest, most distilled example of the Rolex watch philosophy.

With a ‘keep it simple, stupid’ strategy, the Oyster Perpetual (aka the OP) has always been an overlooked watch in the Rolex lineup. The introduction of some bright, Stella-dial inspired colours in recent years was the shot in the arm needed to put the OP in the spotlight. Last year, we got three new pastels: lavender, beige, and this example, a dashing natural green that Rolex calls Pistachio. Before we dive into this nutty Rolex, let’s unpack the OP.

You’d be forgiven for confusion over ‘Oyster Perpetual’, as it's a term that appears on the dial of nearly every other Rolex in the catalogue. ‘Oyster’ refers to Rolex’s patented water-resistant case which, like an oyster, is impervious to water, using a screw-down crown and caseback. ‘Perpetual’ refers to the watch’s automatic movement, specifically the weighted rotor which rotates 360 degrees, or perpetually, to wind the watch as you wear it. The confusion stems from the fact that every Rolex that features an Oyster case and an automatic movement, which is nearly every watch they make, has ‘Oyster Perpetual’ written on the dial. What differentiates a standard OP from other Rolexes is that it has no additional model name, which would denote an additional complication, such as a DateJust, Submariner or GMT-Master. 

The OP is the simplest Rolex with no fancy bezels, complications or even a date, and unlike other models where you can pick your desired precious metal combinations, bracelets and bezel options, with the OP you’re only picking dial colour and size (28mm to 41mm). This all sounds rather restrictive, but by limiting customisation Rolex has preserved the purity of this model for that stripped back appeal.

We spent the morning with the 36mm OP Pistachio dial. Of the new colours, it was the one I was most excited to see in person.

In comparison to the rich, dark green dial already in the catalogue, this new, trendier, earthier matcha green is much more softly spoken and charming. This green doesn’t shout, it whispers.

On the wrist it’s marvelous. If you want a “go anywhere, do anything” watch that’s no-nonsense, tough, under the radar and in simplest terms, just a watch, look no further. With soft sculpted lugs, and sitting 11.5mm tall, it’s not oversized - but it also doesn’t wear like a delicate evening watch. The combination of an earthy dial and robust steel case has the OP screaming “wear me to a lush, tropical island, cliff jump into the clear waters, then lounge by the pool drinking cocktails.”

The Oyster bracelet is another work of genius, though those used to wearing vintage watch bracelets may find it a little chunky. As Rolex doesn’t class the OP as part of their Professional line, where the Submariners and GMT sit, the OP has the simple Rolex lift clasp, not the foldover flip clasp reserved for those tough-as-nails tool watches. 

This keeps the size of the clasp down, helpful on this smaller Rolex, though it still features the very clever glidelock system hidden in the clasp to quickly size the watch up and down in seconds with no tools. Want to wear it over the top of long sleeves for a dressed-up dinner? Extend the bracelet and you’re away.

Only one question remains: will the OP Pistachio dial age like a beautiful conifer tree, or like the dregs of that matcha you forgot about in the keep-cup in your car? Like all trending colours, interest arrives then fades, so only time will tell. But I think earth tones are different, and this Rolex strikes an internal chord in all of us who love a bit of nature. For that reason alone, whilst it's an in-vogue colour today, I don’t see it going out of style anytime soon. 

You may also like

  • Coveted Object: Omega Constellation Manhattan

    While all Omega Constellations are created equally, some are more equal than others.

    READ MORE

  • Going Big, Bold and Bright with the Doxa Sub 300T Divingstar

    Unapologetic in its purpose, the Doxa Sub 300T brings an authenticity rarely seen from other watches.

    READ MORE

  • A House Amongst The Trees: The Lobster Bay House

    A beautiful reminder of the magic that great architecture has.

    READ MORE

  • Getting Stoned with the Dennison A.L.D

    Dennison is here to democratise stone dials, and we’re all for it.

    READ MORE

  • Coveted Object: Arno Coffee Cups

    “If you’re going to have an apple, make sure it’s the crunchiest, juiciest apple you can find.”

    READ MORE

  • Scorpio By Name & Nature: The Abarth 695 Competizione

    A jellybean-shaped muscle car that oozes charisma.

    READ MORE