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 uncommon vintage ladies Rolex Oyster encased in 14K gold.

Made circa 1947, shortly after World War II had wound down, its case features Rolex's Oyster technology, and it retains its original Rolex + Oyster crown.

Beating away inside the watch is its diminutive handwound Rolex movement complete with Super Balance system for greater accuracy.

It presents beautifully on the wrist. All parts are original.

The case retains its strong hallmark on the side. It also still has a bit of patina on it from spending some of its life safely stored away. We chose to leave it on so that you can make the decision according to your tastes - please let us know if you would like to remove it.

Its gold dial has been expertly restored by one of the leading dial companies in North America.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new leather strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it 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.

• Manufacturer: Rolex
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Serial no.: 604,304
• Year built: c. 1947
• Model: Ref. 4360
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Ladies
• Case material: 14K gold, two body, polished, screwed case back and crown
• Case markings (inside): Rolex Watch Co., Geneva, Swiss, Patented, 4360, 14K
• Case condition: Presents beautifully on the wrist. Some wear to the grooves around the back of the Oyster case and light signs of previous polishing. It retains its strong hallmark on the side. It also still has a bit of patina on it from spending some of its life safely stored away. We chose to leave it on so that you can make the decision according to your tastes - please let us know if you would like to remove it.
• Dial: Gold with black painted baton indexes, signed Rolex Oyster Precision, small seconds, expertly restored
• Dimensions: 22mm wide (without crown), 28mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Hands: Original, gold "feuilles"
• 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
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Band: Leather, remborde, brand new and unworn
• Width between lugs: 11mm
• Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
• 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 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.
• Warranty: 1-year international 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; New timing certificate
• 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