A beautiful example of one of the most important horological timepieces of the 20th Century; the Rolex Oyster "Ultra Prima". Dating from 1929, this stunning 9k gold Rolex Oyster features an attractively aged dial and a rare, recently serviced, Ultra Prima movement. Its 28mm works perfectly for men and women alike who prefer a smaller, more understated look to their vintage watches.

Background:

Released in 1926 to the backdrop of the “Roaring Twenties”, the original Rolex Oyster was one of the most important timepieces in modern horology. The Rolex Oyster's creation stemmed from solving two problems with watches of the day. The first was one of perception. Consumers (and in many cases justifiably) perceived wristwatches with their smaller movements to be less accurate than their pocket watch counterparts. The second was an issue of durability with watches of the time suffering from the intrusion of water, dust and other foreign particles into their movements.

To resolve the first problem, Wilsdorf submitted his watches to both Swiss and Kew laboratories to prove their accuracy – a practice that still continues today. For the Oyster, the movements came in three versions, all 15 jewels constructions, they were separated on the basis of their tested accuracy. The three versions were; Prima, Extra Prima and Ultra Prima. The 2nd problem was resolved by creating a crown with a winding system, where the crown could be screwed down onto the case creating a waterproof seal, hence representing the birth of the ever-famous Rolex Oyster crown.

In terms of marketing the new watch, Hans Wilsdorf (founder of Rolex) persuaded Mercedes Gleitze (a stenographer and keen swimmer) to wear his new creation in her attempt to swim the English Channel. Unfortunately, she was not successful in her attempt, however, it was whilst recovering on the support boat that a reporter from The London Times noted, "Hanging round her neck by a riband on this swim, Miss Gleitze carried a small gold watch, which was found this evening to have kept good time throughout." The watch, of course, was the Rolex Oyster given to her by Wilsdorf, a convenient quote perhaps, but nonetheless, the proof needed by Wilsdorf to show off the abilities of his waterproof watch.

Technical & Condition

Condition: Dial is in excellent vintage condition with a pleasing patina to it. The case remains in fair shape with a few age related scratches, no surprise given the watch is pushing onto 100 years old! The movement has recently received a full service. Finally watch is fitted to a new open ended leather strap.

Case size (exc. crown): 28mm

Case material: 9k gold

Movement: Rolex Ultra Prima

Strap/bracelet: Leather

Box and papers: Our Own

This 1920s Rolex Oyster could be yours...

This Rolex, cased in 9k gold, has proven to be a timeless classic that never goes out of style. This watch, like all of our watches, has been professionally serviced and regulated by our watchmaker as well as authenticated. With the price of early Rolex Oysters on the increase, now is the best moment to buy this classic timepiece.