Today's offering showcases this classic and pleasing Rolex Viceroy Imperial made c. 1946 with its fabulous original two-tone dial.

It showcases the company's greatest contributions to watchmaking, an early Oyster case. The Rolex Oyster case birthed the idea of the modern sport watch and was a catalyst for the widespread acceptance of the wristwatch.

Besides its highly functional Oyster design, its 18K gold engine-turned bezel brought a touch of extra class to the watch.

Powering it is its high grade Rolex 10 1/2''' ligne movement with Rolex's patented Super-Balance system with early shock resistance system.

It is all original and in pleasing condition. Its original "Rolex Oyster" crown still screws down well.

Its case is in excellent condition with strong lines and only light wear. With the exception of the six and twelve o'clock areas of the bezel which shows signs of having been polished, the rest of bezel still retains much of its beautiful fine detail.

Its fabulous untouched two-tone dial proclaims the watch's special shock resistance, cutting edge at the time, and has shifting silver tones depending on the angle of light.

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

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap and a Rolex style buckle 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.

Note: This reference was described in period advertising as the “watch that lives without breathing” due to its highly hermetic seal. A similar watch is illustrated in “Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches”, by Osvaldo Patrizzi, 2001 Edition, p. 113.

• Manufacturer: Rolex
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Year built: c. 1946
• Serial no.: 381,141
• Model: Reference 3359 Imperial, so-called "Viceroy"
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Stainless steel and 18K gold
• Case markings (inside): Brevet, Rolex S.A., Geneve, Suisse, 31 Victoires, Haute Precision, R.W.C Ltd, 3359
• Case condition: Excellent condition with strong lines and only light wear and light to moderate aging to the grooves in the case back. With the exception of the six and twelve o'clock areas of the bezel which shows signs of having been polished, the rest of bezel still retains much of its beautiful fine detail.
• Dimensions: 29.5mm wide (excluding crown), 39mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Hands: Original, luminous "feuilles", blue steel
• Movement type: High grade, 10 1/2 ligne, manually wound, rhodium-plated, 15 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, micrometer regulator, Breguet balance spring
• Movement markings: Rolex, Swiss Made, 15 Rubis, 88809
• Jewels: 15 rubies
• Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn equipped with Rolex style buckle of unknown origin
• Width between lugs: 16mm
• 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 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