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 Rolex "hunter" handwound movement.

We were fortunate to acquire it in all-original condition. It's a really honest watch which retains incredibly crisp original stamping on the back.

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 fabulous condition for its age. Its original hands retain a gorgeous blue tone. Even its original and rare crown still screws down well.

One of our watchmakers has just disassembled it down to the last screw and cleaned and oiled the movement. It is very clean. It continues to run strong and true keeping extraordinarily accurate time for its age. Photos of the inside available upon request.

For the finishing touch it comes equipped with a Java lizard strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

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 attesting to its performance.

• Manufacturer: Rolex
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Model: Ref. 2416
• Serial no: 42,923
• Year built: c. 1937
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 9K gold
• Case markings (outside): 2416, 42,923
• Case condition: Excellent condition with only light wear. It has not been recently polished and may never have been polished. The back has been lightly later period brushed. The back retains incredibly crisp original stamping on the back.
• Crown: Original rare Rolex "Oyster+Patent" screwed-down crown with good threads
• Dial: Silver, signed Oyster, raised gold Arabic numerals, raised gold railroad minute track, fabulous original untouched condition showing only light aging.
• Dimensions: 28mm wide (excluding crown - the crown adds another approx. 4mm) by 33mm long lug tip to tip
• Hands: Original, blue steel, "diamonds"
• Movement type: Rolex, manually wound, nickel finished, correctly signed, patented Super Balance system, 15-jewel lever movement with Breguet overcoil hairspring, index regulator
• Band: Java lizard, fully stitched, lightly padded, designed for fixed lug use. We also stock a smooth finish leather strap well-suited for the watch. Please ask us if you're interested.
• Width between lugs: 16mm
• Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Serviced: One of our watchmakers has just disassembled it down to the last screw and cleaned and oiled the movement. It continues to run extraordinarily accurately for its age.
• 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 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