Presumably built very close to the creation of very first Oyster in 1926, this Oyster has the second lowest serial number we have seen surface in our research for this reference, and it likely is one of the earliest Rolex Oysters made. The only earlier serial number we have seen is on another similar watch we are offering for sale.
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: swim 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 era, it is not a small boys size watch. While not large, it is a 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. It even still has its original lead waterproofing gasket.
Its honest chrome-plated Oyster case with screw down bezel is in original untouched condition. Please inquire if you would like it restored.
Its dial is very honest as well. It to is in original untouched condition. The lacquer has turned a sepia tone from the effects of radium and aging, and the radium has toned very dark. Please inquire if you would like it restored.
Powering the watch is its original Rolex caliber 885 handwound movement. The dial, case, and movement are all signed Oyster or Oyster Watch Co., which was Rolex's initial experiment in branding for its revolutionary Oyster line. Photos of the inside available upon request.
One of our watchmakers has just disassembled it down to the last screw and cleaned and oiled the movement. It continues to keep time. 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: 20,947
- Year built: c. 1927
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: Chrome plated
- Case condition: Honest original condition. It is in untouched condition with scratches and wear to the chromium throughout. Please inquire if you would like it restored.
- 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. Honest untouched original condition. Please inquire if you would like it restored.
- Dimensions: 32mm wide (excluding crown - the crown adds another approx. 4mm) by 38mm long lug tip to tip
- Hands: Luminous batons
- 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: Acrylic, excellent condition
- Serviced: One of our watchmakers has just disassembled it down to the last screw and cleaned and oiled the movement 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 [email protected] for details.
- 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
