Today's offering showcases this very fine and rare early Rolex Oyster, made while the company was building its early Oyster line.

Without question one of the company's greatest contributions to horology is in the area of waterproof cases. The Rolex Oyster case birthed the idea of the modern sport watch as we know it and was a key 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, of course, 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.

Originally intended for men, this midsize watch measures 29mm wide excluding the crown.

Powering the watch is its high grade Rolex caliber handwound "hunter" movement.

During this period, after assembly and testing, Rolex labeled their best performing movements with a "Prima designation." This designation then had three levels - Prima, Extra Prima, or Ultra Prima. The special Rolex offered here was rated "Ultra Prima" by the Rolex factory.

We were fortunate to acquire it in such beautiful original condition. Its retains crisp original stamping on the back. Its only replacement part is the crown which has been previously upgraded to a later period Rolex Twinlock one to screw down well and protect the movement better.

Its solid gold Oyster case with screw down back is in excellent condition. Its wonderful dial with raised gold Arabic numerals and raised gold railroad minute track is original and untouched, in excellent condition for its age. Its original hands retain most of their bluing.

A Master Watchmaker has just serviced the watch. We have also timed it on a machine that spins the watch in all directions simulating it being worn, and it continues to keep accurate time.

For the finishing touch it comes equipped with a new leather strap and aftermarket Rolex style buckle making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

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

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 extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

• Manufacturer: Rolex
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Model: Ref. 2416
• Serial no: 42,923
• Year built: c. 1935
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 9K gold
• Case markings (outside): 2416, 36,776
• Case condition: Excellent condition with only fairly light signs of previous polishing. Slight previous reinforcing of the wire lugs as is common with these. The back retains crisp original stamping.
• Crown: Its only replacement part is the crown which has been previously upgraded to a later period Rolex Twinlock one to screw down well and protect the movement better.
• Dial: Silver, signed Oyster, raised gold Arabic numerals, raised gold railroad minute track, excellent original untouched condition showing only light aging.
• Dimensions: 29mm wide (excluding crown - the crown adds another approx. 4mm) by 33mm long lug tip to tip
• Hands: Original, blue steel, "diamonds"
• Movement type: Rolex, rated "Ultra Prima" for its accuracy, manually wound, nickel finished, correctly signed, patented Super Balance system, 15-jewel lever movement with Breguet overcoil hairspring, index regulator
• Band: Leather, lightly padded, designed for fixed lug use, brand new and unworn with aftermarket Rolex style buckle
• Width between lugs: 16mm
• Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Serviced: A Master Watchmaker has just serviced the watch.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have also timed it on a machine that spins the watch in all directions simulating it being worn, and it continues to keep accurate time.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. 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 extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
• 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