1930s Rolex Oyster Stainless Steel watch, 3 piece case, 15 jewel Aegler movement
The watch dates from 1935 according to the serial number and has been recently serviced.
The case is well proportioned for the era, with a case measurement of 31mm x 31mm. This is mid-size, but the large Oyster crown makes the total case width reach 35mm. The case length is also 37.5mm lug to lug, with a case depth of 10mm. This means it sits neatly on the wrist, whilst maintaining a strong presence. It is formed of Stainless Steel and is an unusual and transitional period of the Oyster case, with this example being a 3-part case. The case is also rarely seen with a straight piece between the lugs, elongating the usually circular case. It is in good condition with a brushed finish to the front and rear, with a polished finish to the bezel and sides.
The case back is Stainless Steel and is in good original condition. It has the serial number “70493” which is clear and unworn. The coin edge finish is in good condition, with minimal signs of scratching. The flat surface of the rear is polished and has light surface scratches consistent with age.
The inside of the case back is signed “Oyster Watch Co, Geneva Swiss, Great Britain Patents, Swiss Patents, French Patents, U.S.A Patents, German Patents”. It has the SAR marking with the Rolex Cornet, as well as the Parrachutte RM logo relating to Robert Meylan, who made cases for Rolex during the 1930s.
The dial has a silvered tone which has developed a creamy patina. It has a scratch above 10 O’clock which is noticeable. There is also a small scratch above 11 O’clock. The dial is neatly laid out with a railroad minute track around the exterior, with Arabic numerals. The sub-second dial is inset on the dial and has a railroad track with sectors with each 10 second graduation in Arabic numerals. The dial is signed “Rolex oyster” below 12 O’clock, with Swiss Made below 6 O’clock.
The crystal appears to be original, fitting the profile of the watch perfectly. It has some light surface scratches.
The crown is original and is in good condition. It screws down and has a sharp coin edge. It is signed Oyster Patent.
The movement is a 1930s 15 jewel manual wind movement produced by Reeberg for Rolex. The movement is in good condition and has been recently serviced. It is keeping time to +140 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 251 degrees and a beat error of 2.3 m/s.
Point of mention:
This particular case back is marked with the Parachute RM trademark for Robert Meylan, a Genva based watch case manufacturer. This mark was registered in June of 1934 and is found on Stainless Steel watch cases, which were particularly expensive to produce.
It may be confusing, in that it is signed “Oyster Watch Co”, which was associated with lower price point Oysters. However, this example is of a higher quality, that of the full Rolex Oyster. It is all Stainless, with an Aegler movement for Rolex, with a Rolex Oyster signed dial.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial has a silvered tone which has developed a creamy patina. It has a scratch above 10 O’clock which is noticeable. There is also a small scratch above 11 O’clock. The dial is neatly laid out with a railroad minute track around the exterior, with Arabic numerals. The sub-second dial is inset on the dial and has a railroad track with sectors with each 10 second graduation in Arabic numerals. The dial is signed “Rolex oyster” below 12 O’clock, with Swiss Made below 6 O’clock.
Hands:
The hour and minute hands are well matched, older replacements. They are thermally blued and have a lovely shine. The second hand would appear to be original with a slightly purple tone.
Glass:
The crystal appears to be original, fitting the profile of the watch perfectly. It has some light surface scratches.
Crown:
The crown is original and is in good condition. It screws down and has a sharp coin edge. It is signed Oyster Patent.
Case:
The case is formed of Stainless Steel and is an unusual and transitional period of the Oyster case, with this example being a 3-part case. The case is also rarely seen with a straight piece between the lugs, elongating the usually circular case. It is in good condition with a brushed finish to the front and rear, with a polished finish to the bezel and sides.
Caseback:
The case back is Stainless Steel and is in good original condition. It has the serial number “70493” which is clear and unworn. The coin edge finish is in good condition, with minimal signs of scratching. The flat surface of the rear is polished and has light surface scratches consistent with age.
The inside of the case back is signed “Oyster Watch Co, Geneva Swiss, Great Britain Patents, Swiss Patents, French Patents, U.S.A Patents, German Patents”. It has the SAR marking with the Rolex Cornet, as well as the Parrachutte RM logo relating to Robert Meylan, who made cases for Rolex during the 1930s.
Strap:
The watch is on a later 1940s Bonklip style strap which is excellent quality and a neat fit to the watch.
Movement:
The movement is a 1930s 15 jewel manual wind movement produced by Reeberg for Rolex.
The movement is in good condition and has been recently serviced. It is keeping time to +140 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 251 degrees and a beat error of 2.3 m/s.
Case Dimensions:
Case width: 31mm
Case width with crown: 35mm
Case length: 31mm
Case length lug to lug: 37.5mm
Lug width: 16.7mm
Case Depth: 10.3mm