Rolex, Rose Gold, Art Deco Cushion Oyster Dated, 1930

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Rolex, Rose Gold, Art Deco Cushion Oyster Dated, 1930

About the Item

An Art Deco vintage wristwatch by Rolex made in 1930. The Rolex “Oyster” the world’s first waterproof watch. In 1927 Hans Wilsdorf, founder of the Rolex Watch Company, sent a newly launched Rolex Oyster to Mercedes Gleitze, to use during her attempt at swimming the English Channel. The success of the performance of the Rolex Oyster during the swim, led to its renown and place in world history. This is a rare opportunity to purchase one of the first original Rolex Oysters from that period. Soft vintage rose gold, square cushion oyster case in 9 carat gold with milled bezel, hallmarked for Glasgow import into the U.K. in 1930. Case marked with RWC Ltd lozenge and Oyster Watch Co with Swiss, French, U.S.A. and German Patents. 15 Jewel Rolex Chronometer Prima movement, timed for 6 positions, for all climates. Silvered engine turned starburst dial with black Roman numerals, black minute chapter and subsidiary dial for seconds. Blued steel fancy hands. Case, movement and dial signed. Case measurements: Length (lug to lug): 38 mm. Width: 32 mm. Originally a man’s watch, however, now suitable for a woman or a man that likes classic watches. All watches are given a full thorough service. They are stripped down to their individual parts, thoroughly checked for any obvious wear and tear, cleaned, re-oiled, reassembled and regulated. The final result is that the case, dial and movement are in pristine condition. Due to the age of the watch, naturally, we do not guarantee the watch as waterproof. A copy of an advertisement from 1927 showing the relationship between the watch and the Channel Swimmer Mercedes Gleitze is shown for reference. In 1926 Rolex introduced the first waterproof wristwatch, the “Oyster”. A year later Hans Wilsdorf the Rolex company founder heard that the female endurance swimmer Ms Mercedes Gleitze was to swim the English Channel wearing a gold Rolex around her neck The watch gained kudos when the English swimmer Mercedes Gleitze wore it as she completed a 10hr cross-channel swim in 1927. This advertisement featured a picture of Mercedes and went on to read: “Miss Mercedes Gleitze carried an “Oyster” throughout her recent Channel Swim. More than ten hours of submersion under the most trying conditions failed to harm its perfect timekeeping. No moisture had penetrated and not the slightest corrosion or condensation was revealed in the subsequent examination of the Watch.” “You will like to hear that the Rolex Oyster watch I carried on my Channel swim proved itself a reliable and accurate timekeeping companion even though it was subjected to complete immersion for hours in sea water at a temp of not more than 58 and often as low as 51. This is to say nothing about the sustained buffeting it must have received. Not even the quick change to the high temp of the boat cabin when I was lifted from the water seemed to affect the even tenour of its movement. The newspaper man was astonished and I, of course, am delighted with it…”

Creator:
Rolex
Case Material:
Gold,9k Gold,Rose Gold
Strap Material:
Leather
Case Shape:
Square
Movement:
Case Dimensions:
Height: 1.5 in (38 mm)Width: 1.26 in (32 mm)
Style:
Art Deco
Place of Origin:
Switzerland
Period:
1930-1939
Date of Manufacture:
1930
Condition:
Pristine, fully serviced, 2 year guarantee and full after sales maintenance service. Due to the age of the watch, naturally, we do not guarantee the watch as waterproof.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: 1470.25221stDibs: LU92218730912

Shop All Rolex

Rolex

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

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