One of Rolex's greatest contributions to horology is in the area of waterproof cases. The Rolex Oyster watch, which featured a unique case and patented screw down crown that offered its owner complete protection against water, dust, and perspiration, birthed the idea of the modern sport watch as we know it and was a catalyst for the initial widespread acceptance of the wristwatch.

Several events worked to greatly popularize the watch: Sir Malcolm Campbell's land speed record attempt where he achieved a speed of 272 mpg, all done while wearing perfectly functioning Oyster. And perhaps the most well-known early event in the company's history: Mercedes Gleitz's English Channel swim wearing an Oyster. Following the historic event, Rolex took out a full-page ad in the Daily Mail introducing the Oyster.

Today's offering showcases this wonderful and rare vintage ladies Rolex Oyster made circa 1945. Beating away inside our watch is the original diminutive hand wound Rolex movement complete with Super Balance system for greater accuracy.

It presents in wonderful condition. The parts are all original down to the crown and all hands. The case presents as better than near mint. The dial is very clean. It still retains its original Oyster Patent crown that screws down well.

Our watchmaker has just freshly cleaned and oiled the high grade movement, which was originally adjusted to two positions and is also still very clean..

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

• Manufacturer: Rolex
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Serial no.: 346,292
• Year built: c. 1945
• Model: Ref. 3494
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds
• Designed for: Ladies
• Case material: Stainless Steel
• Case condition: Better than near mint
• Dial: Silver with luminous numbered indexes, signed Rolex, may be original or may be a very high quality refinishing done relatively shortly after production, better than near mint
• Dimensions: 18mm wide (without crown), 25mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Hands: Original, luminous batons and original seconds
• Movement type: Rolex, manually wound, 7 1/2"', rhodium plated, "fausses cotes" decoration, 17 jewels, lever escapement, Super balance balance, self compensating flat balance-spring adjusted to two positions
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Band: Leather, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
• Width between lugs: 12mm
• Crystal type: Acrylic, mint condition
• Serviced: Yes, freshly cleaned and oiled.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Warranty: 1-year warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide