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.

What really gives the watch its personality is its uncommon and wonderfully expressive “bow tie” dial. It gives the dial a wonderful sense of rhythm and symmetry, making an otherwise time-only watch feel visually distinctive. It has strong prewar character and a graphic charm that is quite unlike the more restrained Rolex dial designs that followed.

Combined with the aged silvered surface, dark blued hands, and railroad-style minute track, the result is unmistakably early Rolex: functional, legible, and full of authentic period character rather than polished modern perfection.

The centerpiece of the watch is its original dial with wonderfully expressive “bow tie” layout associated with some early Rolex Oysters. Together with the subsidiary seconds register, railroad minute track, and blued steel hands. The original finish only enhances that sense of authenticity, giving the watch the warm, unmistakable presence of a genuinely early Oyster.

Surprisingly full size for the era, it measures 32mm in diameter.

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

An interesting functional design element of this case is also its anti-magnetic design. It has an iron ring with cap that forms a Faraday cage around the movement protecting it from magnetic and electromagnetic fields and also offering another layer of physical protection.

It has all of its original parts down to the dial, hands, and Patent + Oyster winding crown. We were fortunate to acquire it in pleasing original condition. It clearly retains its original serial number on the back.

Its stainless steel Oyster case is in excellent condition. Its fantastic bow tie dial is original and untouched, in pleasing original condition for its age.

One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. We have also timed it on a machine that spins the watch in all directions simulating it being worn, and it continues to keep very accurate time.

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. 2081
Serial no: 50,813
Year built: c. 1938
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Stainless steel
Case markings (outside): 50,813
Case condition: Excellent condition with only fairly light signs of previous polishing and a few hairlines on the back from previous opening. The back retains crisp original stamping.
Crown: Original, Patent + Oyster crown
Dial: Two-tone silver in "bow-tie" configuration, black painted radial Arabic indexes, signed Rolex Oyster Perpetual, original and untouched, only fairly mild aging
Dimensions: 32mm wide (excluding crown - 35.5mm with the crown ) by 37.5mm long lug tip to tip
Hands: Original, blue steel, "batons"
Movement type: Rolex, manually wound, nickel finished, correctly signed, 15-jewel lever movement with Breguet overcoil hairspring, index regulator
Band: Leather, fully stitched, designed for fixed lug use
Width between lugs: 16mm
Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. We have also timed it on a machine that spins the watch in all directions simulating it being worn, and it continues to keep very accurate time.
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 very 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

X