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.
Interestingly, this is one of the relatively few so-called "manual wind Bubblebacks" - non-Bubble back watches that were made with a Bubble back style case top. The watch came from the factory instead fitted with the handwound version of the movement and case fitted with a slim back. The movement was the same base movement as used in early Bubblebacks, just without the automatic winding system added on top.
It is a Rolex "hunter" handwound movement timed to six positions.
During this period, after assembly and testing, Rolex labeled their best performing movements with a "Prima designation." This designation then had three levels - Prima, Extra Prima, or Ultra Prima. The rare high-grade Rolex offered here is a rare example designated "Ultra Prima", the highest classification, and it's dial proclaims its "Extra Precision."
The centerpiece of this watch is the original and untouched "sector dial" with silvered track. It has a wonderful aesthetic that has desirable collectability.
We were fortunate to acquire it in original condition down to its original lead gasket for the case back. The only non-original part is its Oyster Patent crown, which is correct for the watch.
Its Oyster case with screw down back is in very good condition. The thin case back has one indention and a few other spots of wear. On the wrist it presents beautifully.
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 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.
For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a new Swiss 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.
- Manufacturer: Rolex
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Model: Oyster Royal
- Year built: c. 1934
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: 9K gold
- Case markings (outside): 3x,668, hallmarked on the left hand side
- Case markings (inside): Oyster Watch Co., Geneve Swiss, Great Britain Patents, Swiss Patents, French Patents, USA Patents, German Patents, Rolex Coronet symbol RWC
- Case condition: Very good condition. The thin case back has one indention and a few other spots of wear to the back including a couple spots of wear to the wrench grooves. There is a hallmark on the left side. On the wrist it presents beautifully.
- Crown: Correct non-original Rolex "Oyster Patent", screws down well.
- Dial: Silver, signed Rolex Oyster Royal and "Extra Precision" Fab. Suisse, black painted radial Arabic numerals, outer railroad minute track and metallic silver sectors, original and untouched
- Dimensions: 31.5mm wide (excluding crown - 35mm including the crown) by 38mm long lug tip to tip
- Hands: Original, blue steel, "diamonds" with red counter-weighted seconds hands
- Movement type: Signed Rolex, manually wound, nickel finished, 17-jewel lever movement with Breguet overcoil hairspring, index regulator
- Band: Calf leather, fully stitched, lightly padded, designed for fixed lug use, brand new and unused
- Width between lugs: 17mm
- 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 [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
