I Wouldn’t Buy the New $66K Rolex Padellone

T&H Live

September 22, 2026

Rolex just introduced the new Perpetual Padellone, a $66,000 platinum annual calendar with a moonphase — and we have very different opinions about it.

Is the new Rolex Padellone one of Rolex’s most exciting modern watches, or does a $66,000+ Rolex need to be closer to perfect?

Christian and Peter Aziz sit down to debate the new Padellone from every angle: its design, proportions, dial layout, annual-calendar complication, moonphase, Milan launch, relationship to the 1908, and Rolex’s broader approach to its history and heritage.

Christian argues that the watch has some beautiful and impressive elements but falls short of perfection at this price. Peter genuinely loves the watch and makes the case for what Rolex got right.

We also get into Rolex’s forgotten Cellini and Bubbleback collections, the historical Padellone, Rolex’s ability to create watches with enormous mainstream appeal, and how the new watch compares conceptually with pieces from brands like A. Lange & Söhne and Breguet.

It’s a long-form conversation about what makes a great Rolex great — and whether $66,000 should buy you perfection.