Presumably built very close to the creation of very first Oyster in 1926, this Oyster has the lowest serial number we have seen for this reference, and it likely is one of the earliest Rolex Oysters made.
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: wearing an Oyster. Following the historic event, Rolex took out a full-page ad in the Daily Mail introducing the Oyster.
Unlike many watches from this style from this era, it is not a small boys size watch. While not large, it is mens size that measures 32mm without the crown, and the large crown adds another 4mm.
It is fully Rolex down to its original onion style crown and original hands and even has a mineral glass crystal. It even still has its original lead waterproofing gasket. It's a really honest watch.
Note that we cleaned the case in an ultrasonic since the photos were taken. It presents much cleaner now.
Its chrome plated Oyster case with screw down bezel is in original condition. It presents nicely on the wrist and shows spots of wear to the underside.
At first look its dial appears original...but after careful examination I think it's a very nice and very old restoration, nearly as old as the watch. The lacquer has turned a sepia tone from the effects of radium and aging. Powering the watch is its Rolex caliber 885 handwound movement.
Interestingly the back shows a serial no: 20,251 what appears to be factory stamped over 47,621 and the movement plate marked jewels has an area factory marked out in X's.
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 the finishing touch we have installed a brand new Teju 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
- Serial no: 20,251 what appears to be factory stamped over 47,621
- Year built: c. 1927
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: Chrome plated
- Case condition: Honest original condition. It does not appear to have ever been polished and it presents nicely on the wrist. The back has spots of wear and the wrench grooves on the back and bezel are strong and undamaged, which is uncommon.
- Crown: Original Rolex screw-down onion crown with good threads
- Dial: Silver, signed Oyster, luminous Arabic numerals, railroad minute track, top lacquer coating has warmed to a sepia tone. At first look its dial appears original, but after careful examination it may be a very nice and very old restoration, nearly as old as the watch.
- Dimensions: 32mm wide (excluding crown - the crown adds another approx. 4mm) by 38mm long lug tip to tip
- Hands: Original, blue steel, luminous
- Movement type: Rolex, manually wound, nickel finished, correctly signed, 15-jewel lever movement with Breguet overcoil hairspring, index regulator
- Band: Teju lizard, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. We also stock a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
- Width between lugs: 16mm
- Crystal type: Mineral glass, 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.
- 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 [email protected] 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
