1920s 9ct gold octagonal vintage Rolex Oyster ‘Observatory Quality’ watch
An extremely rare early 9ct gold octagonal vintage Rolex Oyster watch. The case, with a knurled front bezel, measures 32 x 34 mm (excluding lugs). The case is signed RWC Ltd (Rolex Watch Company Limited) 20 Worlds Records, hallmarked Glasgow 1927. The high jewelled, fine Observatory Quality, manual wind movement is signed Rolex, Swiss Made, with 18 Rubies. The two-tone silvered dial has luminous Arabic numerals with a subsidiary seconds dial and fine blued steel luminous hands. The dial is signed Rolex Oyster above the centre.
A fabulous early example of an iconic Rolex Oyster wristwatch, with a rare Observatory Quality movement!
The Rolex Oyster
Following the end of World War I, global trading resumed and Rolex watches were being sent abroad, particularly to the the hot and humid tropical countries of the British Empire. Many of the watches were found to have rusted on arrival following a long damp voyage!
Hans Wilsdorf (co-founder of Rolex) was determined to produce a ‘water-proof’ watch and commented;
“We must succeed in making a watch case so tight that our movements will be permanently guaranteed against damage caused by dust, perspiration, heat and cold. Only then will the perfect accuracy of the Rolex watch be secured.”
The Rolex Oyster watch was produced a few years later in 1926 with a ‘three-piece’ case, (the front and back screwing into the body). An iconic design that has become probably the best selling waterproof wristwatch.
