Rolex Oyster "Ultra Prima" 9k Gold 1929

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.

Shipping:

For orders placed before 2pm orders will be shipped the same day.

Your watch will be carefully packaged and shipped fully insured with leading global courier companies.

Delivery Prices:

Delivery within the UK is Free. Delivery within Europe is £30. Delivery for the Rest of the World is £50.

Returns:

Don't like it or change your mind? Return it for a full refund with our 14 day, no hassle returns on all sales. See the full conditions here.

The Watches

Are all watches authenticated?

All our watches pass through a double authentication process to insure their authenticity. We also provide detailed photos of the watch from all angles to allow you to undertake your own anlysis. Finally as with everything, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to our friendly team

What if something goes wrong with the watch

Whilst all our watches are fully serviced before sale, if something does go wrong, we'll repair it for free as part of our 1 year warranty

Do watches come with original box and papers?

It depends on the individual watch. You can see details under "The Basics" heading on this page. For the majority of vintage watches their original box and papers have been lost to time. Whilst they are nice to have, it’s important to note that “box and papers” DO NOT authenticate a watch despite what many in our trade say. It’s also important to realise alot of sellers (including some of the most well known in the UK) put together full sets of box, papers, hang tags etc by buying blank paperwork and boxes in the secondary market. This is a very regrettable, but unfortunately common occurrence in the trade but something we will never do!

How do I know it will fit?

For metal bracelets we provide the size it will currently fit in the description section of this page. If this measurement is too large or too small we are able to assist in either adding or removing links. We also offer this service, post service on a at-cost basis (i.e. we don't add a margin).

Can you change the strap?

Absolutely! If you don't like the current strap, let us know and we'll change it for free! We maintain a broad selection of styles and can also source straps to your specification free of charge.

Can you source something similar?

Absolutely! If its not quite what you’re looking for just get in touch and we can source one with our Free, No Obligation sourcing service. You can contact us on phone, live chat or simply submit the details of what you’re looking for on our “Find a Watch” page.

Payment

What payment options do you offer?

We accept payment by all leading credit and debit cards, ApplePay as well as bank transfer.

Do you offer financing?

Currently we don't offer financing but it’s something we're exploring.

Shipping & Returns

Can you ship an order to arrive on a certain day?

We can certainly try! We can request with our shipment partners for delivery on a certain day but ultimately the exact delivery date is subject to a number of factors outside our control.

How do I return a watch?

Simply let us know you want to send the watch back within the 14 return period and return it to us via Royal Mail Special Delivery. We’ll process your refund the same day we receive the watch back.

Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions

You can find our full terms and conditions here.