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Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31
Ref. 67480
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Stepping up in the same colour and case shape
The 67480 belongs to a productive stretch of 1990s Rolex production during which the mid-size Oyster Perpetual was substantially upgraded: the calibre 2130 brought COSC chronometer certification and a 28,800bph beat rate to a case that had previously run slower movements, and scratch-resistant sapphire replaced the older mineral crystal. The reference sat in that role until the 77080 took over carrying a newer generation of movement. At 31mm it occupies a considered position — larger than what Rolex historically pitched as ladies' sizing, smaller than the standard men's line, and genuinely wearable across both. The 37mm lug-to-lug distance and 10mm thickness mean it lies flat and close without the crown catching on anything, and the Oyster bracelet at this scale carries real weight without overwhelming the case. The black dial under sapphire reads cleanly from a distance; applied baton markers and, depending on production year, Arabic numerals give it more presence than a purely minimalist layout would. One practical note for buyers of this era: Rolex used tritium lume through much of this reference's production run before transitioning to Super-LumiNova. Earlier examples will have lost their glow entirely and would need re-luming at service to restore any night legibility. Worth knowing before the dial catches your eye.
- Reference
- 67480
- Brand
- Rolex
- Collection
- Oyster Perpetual
- Case size
- 31mm
- Case thickness
- 10mm
- Lug width
- 17mm
- Case material
- Stainless steel
- Case shape
- Round
- Dial
- Black
- Crystal
- Sapphire
- Movement
- Automatic
- Calibre
- 2130
- Water resistance
- 100m
- Bracelet / strap
- Stainless steel bracelet
- Strap colour
- Silver
- Clasp
- Folding clasp
- Lume
- Super-LumiNova
- Condition
- Pre-owned
- Retailer
- Goldsmiths
Additional specifications
- Lug-to-lug
- 37mm
- Power reserve
- 42 hours
Learn more about Rolex
Hans Wilsdorf founded Wilsdorf & Davis in London in 1905 with his brother-in-law Alfred Davis, importing Swiss movements and casing them in England. He registered the name Rolex in 1908 — short, pronounceable in any language, and easy to fit on a dial.
Wilsdorf's conviction was that the wristwatch, then regarded as a woman's ornament and hopelessly fragile, could be made accurate and durable. He proved the first half in 1910 by obtaining the first chronometer certification for a wristwatch, and the second in 1926 with the Oyster case, sealed by a screw-down crown and caseback. Mercedes Gleitze swam the Channel wearing one in 1927, and Wilsdorf bought the front page of the Daily Mail to say so — arguably the first modern watch marketing campaign.
The Perpetual rotor followed in 1931, giving automatic winding in a form the whole industry eventually copied. The company relocated to Geneva during the First World War to escape British wartime duties.
The professional models arrived in a compressed burst in the 1950s: Submariner, Explorer, GMT-Master, Milgauss, and later the Daytona. Each was built for a specific job — diving, exploration, aviation, laboratory work, racing — and each became a design template.
Wilsdorf left his shares to a private foundation on his death, so Rolex answers to no shareholders. It remains the largest producer of certified chronometers in Switzerland by a wide margin.
- 1905
- Hans Wilsdorf founds Wilsdorf & Davis in London.
- 1908
- The Rolex name is registered.
- 1926
- The Oyster case introduces genuine water resistance.
- 1931
- The Perpetual rotor brings modern automatic winding.
- 1953
- The Submariner and Explorer launch.
- 1963
- The Cosmograph Daytona arrives.
Also in 6 collections
This watch appears in the Rolex Oyster Perpetual range (11), Stainless Steel Watches (3,547), Back in Stock (3,539), Watches Under 37mm (1,909), Automatic Watches (1,868) and Pre-Owned, Ex-Display & Vintage Watches (424).
2-year Goldsmiths warranty
What the specifications mean
A mechanical watch for everyday wear.
Strengths
- 100m water resistance covers swimming and watersports
- 31mm wears small and slips under any cuff
- Sapphire crystal, which resists scratching
- Luminous hands and markers for low light
- Sits in the lower half of Rolex's range as we list it
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31 alternatives
Watches from other brands at a similar price, style and size, so you can see what else your budget can buy.
| Specification | 67480 | 53020-0003 | 388563-3004 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £6,350 | £3,950 | £6,735 |
| Case size | 31mm | 31mm | 29mm |
| Water resistance | 100m | 100m | 50m |
| Movement | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Power reserve | 42 hours | 38 hours | 42 hours |
| This watch |
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|
Your new watch
Frequently asked questions, and things you should know about this watch
Can I swim with it?
Yes. At 100m it is rated for swimming and snorkelling, though not for diving.
Water resistance explainedWill the glass scratch?
Unlikely. Sapphire is second only to diamond in hardness and shrugs off everyday marking.
Sapphire, mineral and acrylic comparedDoes it need a battery?
No. It is automatic — the motion of your wrist winds it, and there is no cell to replace.
Quartz, automatic and solar comparedHow long does it run for when it's not worn?
About 42 hours fully wound — enough to survive a night off the wrist, but not a full weekend.
What size strap does it take?
17mm. Any strap of that width will fit, and on most modern watches quick-release bars make the swap a two-minute job with no tools.
Will it fit my wrist?
Lug-to-lug is 37mm, which suits wrists from roughly 15cm (6 inches) upward.
Lug-to-lug decides fit more than case diameter does.
How to size a watch to your wristIs it a men's or women's watch?
Listed as unisex, and at this size it suits any wrist that takes the dimensions.
Cheapest place to buy
Goldsmiths is the only UK retailer we track stocking this reference, so there is nothing to compare it against today.
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