Case #111 — Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Ref. 116000 Silver Concentric Dial

Status: Active Investigation
Condition: Good Pre-Owned
Scope: Box & Appraisal Certificate (Swiss Expo)

🔎 Case Notes

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Ref. 116000 is often praised for its balance — equal parts simplicity, precision, and heritage. But this example stands out from the crowd thanks to its rare silver concentric dial, a design detail that turns a minimalist watch into a collector’s curiosity.

Concentric dials — with their hypnotic, radiating circle motif — were produced in limited numbers during the mid-2000s to early 2010s and remain one of the most distinctive configurations ever offered in the Oyster Perpetual line. Subtle from afar, captivating up close, it’s a Rolex that rewards attention to detail — the kind of piece that serious collectors recognize instantly.

The 36mm case offers perfect versatility: substantial enough for modern wear, yet faithful to classic proportions. This example remains in good pre-owned condition, showing light wear consistent with careful use. Accompanied by its original Rolex box and a Swiss Expo appraisal certificate, it presents as a well-documented and desirable specimen of a transitional-era Rolex.

🕰️ The Evidence

Reference: 116000
Case: 36 mm Stainless Steel (Oystersteel)
Bezel: Smooth Polished Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Dial: Silver Concentric Pattern w/ Luminous Baton Indices
Movement: Rolex Caliber 3130 (COSC-Certified Automatic)
Power Reserve: ≈ 48 Hours
Bracelet: Oystersteel Bracelet w/ Oysterclasp
Water Resistance: 100 m
Accessories: Original Box & Swiss Expo Appraisal Certificate
Condition Notes: Light surface wear on case and clasp; clean crystal; tight bracelet; dial and hands pristine.

💎 The Concentric Dial Legacy

For a brief period, Rolex experimented with dial designs that broke from the brand’s minimalist orthodoxy. The concentric pattern — a series of precision-etched circular grooves — added depth and dimension without compromising the Oyster’s utilitarian DNA. Most appeared on silver, blue, or white dials across the Oyster Perpetual and Air-King families, making them some of the most elusive and visually interesting references of the six-digit era.

The 116000 Silver Concentric represents that rare crossover between classic Rolex simplicity and experimental design. It’s not loud — it’s quietly fascinating. The kind of watch that sparks a double-take from those who know what they’re looking at.

🌟 Collector Provenance

The concentric dial has long been admired by collectors who crave subtle deviations from standard production runs. It’s a talking point among those who appreciate Rolex’s seldom-seen creative side — the few moments when the Crown let art and geometry share the same stage. This example, complete with documentation and box, stands as a time capsule of that spirit.

🧾 From the Case File

“Recovered with its original Rolex box and Swiss Expo appraisal certificate confirming authenticity and condition. The silver concentric dial remains crisp and uniform — the kind of detail that separates the watch enthusiast from the watch owner. Evidence suggests careful use and proper maintenance — a clean case, a tight bracelet, and a story worth telling.”

🗝️ BST Verdict

Case #111 showcases one of Rolex’s most underappreciated design experiments — the concentric dial Oyster Perpetual. Elegant, mechanically pure, and visually captivating, it’s a reminder that not all classics have to be predictable.

For collectors hunting something beyond the ordinary — something that whispers rather than shouts — the concentric 116000 offers that rare blend of restraint and rarity.

👉 Every case deserves a closer look.