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 original high-grade Rolex Chronometer movement, higher grade than in many Rolexes from the era.

We were fortunate to acquire it in all-original condition.

Its solid gold Oyster case with screw down back is in very good condition. Its wonderful dial with "Chronometer" signature and railroad minute track appears original. Its original luminous "baton" 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 - it's keeping time virtually on par with a new Rolex in our testing position. Photos of the inside available upon request.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a new calf leather strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment. (*PLEASE NOTE- the brown leather band that the Rolex was equipped with in the pictures was damaged and will now will come with the peanut colored band as shown in the additional picture provided in the listing.)

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. 2574
• Serial no: 59,163
• Year built: c. 1938
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 18K gold
• Case markings (outside): 2574, 59,163, engraved "Dad 1950 John, 3 Langley Drive, Wanstead"
• Case condition: Very good condition with fairly light wear and signs of previous polishing. It has not been recently polished. The thin back is lightly indented. The back retains a portion of its original stamping
• Crown: Original rare Rolex "Oyster Patent" screwed-down crown with good threads
• Dial: Silver, signed Rolex Oyster Chronometre and Swiss Made, luminous radial Arabic numerals, outer railroad minute track, appears to be in pleasing original condition showing only light aging.
• Dimensions: 29mm wide (excluding crown - the crown adds another approx. 4mm) by 35mm long lug tip to tip
• Hands: Original, blue steel, "batons", relumed
• Movement type: Signed Rolex Chronometer, manually wound, nickel finished, patented Super Balance system, 18-jewel lever movement with Breguet overcoil hairspring, index regulator, timed in five positions
• Band: (*PLEASE NOTE- the brown leather band that the Rolex was equipped with in the pictures was damaged and will now will come with the peanut colored band as shown in the additional picture provided in the listing.) Calf leather, fully stitched, lightly padded, designed for fixed lug use, brand new and unused. 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.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It continues to run extraordinarily accurately for its age, keeping time virtually on par with a brand new Rolex in our testing position. 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