Today's offering showcases this very fine and rare early Rolex Oyster, made while the company was building its early Oyster line. Our photos couldn't do it justice.
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 30mm wide excluding the crown.
The centerpiece of this watch is the original and untouched "sector dial" with silvered track. Its wonderful aesthetic has a desirable collectability. Powering the watch is its original high-grade Rolex movement.
We were fortunate to acquire it in all-original condition down to its original Oyster Patent crown..
Its Oyster case with screw down back is in very good condition. Its very pleasing dial shows only fairly light aging. Its original blued steel "diamond" hands retain a gorgeous blue tone.
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 Hirsch calf leather 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.
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Manufacturer: Rolex
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Country of origin: Switzerland
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Model: Oyster Royal
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Serial no: 75,351
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Year built: c. 1939
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Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
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Designed for: Men
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Case material: Stainless steel
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Case markings (outside): 75,351
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Case markings (inside): Oyster Watch Co., Geneve Swiss, Great Britain Patents, Swiss Patents, French Patents, USA Patents, German Patents, Rolex Coronet symbol SAR - various hand-engraved watchmakers marks showing a service history
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Case condition: Very good condition with light wear and light signs of previous polishing. It has not been recently polished. The back retains its original stamped serial number.
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Crown: Original rare Rolex "Oyster Patent" screws down with about a half of a turn.
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Dial: Silver, signed Rolex Oyster Royal and Swiss Made, black painted radial Arabic numerals, outer railroad minute track and metallic silver sectors, original and untouched, excellent condition with light aging
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Dimensions: 30mm wide (excluding crown - the crown adds another approx. 4mm) by 35mm long lug tip to tip
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Hands: Original, blue steel, "diamonds
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Movement type: Signed Rolex, manually wound, nickel finished, 15-jewel lever movement with Breguet overcoil hairspring, index regulator
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Band: Calf leather, fully stitched, lightly padded, designed for fixed lug use, brand new and unused
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Width between lugs: 17mm
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Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
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Serviced: One of our watchmakers has just disassembled it down to the last screw and cleaned and oiled the movement.
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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.
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Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
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Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
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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.