Rolex - Oyster - Sub Second - Men - 1900-1949

04
days
21
hours
40
minutes
09
seconds
Current bid
€ 110
Reserve price not met
Berry Harleman
Expert
Selected by Berry Harleman

Studied watchmaking with 10 years' experience in the watch trade.

Estimate  € 1,600 - € 1,800
BE
€110
BE
€100

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Rolex Oyster - Sub Second, a 33 mm stainless steel manual-wind watch with a white dial and leather strap, dating from the 1930s–1940s in very good condition.

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Description from the seller

Here is a professional, high-impact Catawiki listing designed to attract serious horology enthusiasts and vintage Rolex collectors.
RARE Vintage Rolex Oyster "Oyster Watch Co." – Sub-Second – Cal. 15 Rubies (c. 1930s / Early 1940s)

Description
An exceptional piece of horological history: an early Rolex Oyster featuring the iconic sub-seconds layout, original blued steel hands, and a historical "Oyster Watch Co." case back.
Dating from the 1930s to early 1940s, this watch represents the groundbreaking early era of Hans Wilsdorf’s waterproof case innovation. Preserved in remarkable aesthetic condition with an authentic vintage patina, this timepiece is powered by a high-grade 15-jewel Rolex manual-wind movement that is running accurately.

A true collector's item that highlights the roots of the world’s most famous watchmaker.
Specifications & Details
* Brand: Rolex / Oyster Watch Co.
* Model: Rolex Oyster (Sub-Seconds)
* Era: Circa 1930s – 1940s
* Movement: Original Rolex 15 Rubies (Jewels) manual-wind movement, signed "ROLEX 15 RUBIES / SWISS MADE FAB. SUISSE"
* Case Material: Stainless steel Oyster case
* Case Back: Screw-down case back with circular engine-turned finishing, inner-stamped with famous patent marks: "OYSTER WATCH CO. GENEVA-SWISS - GREAT BRITAIN PATENTS - SWISS PATENTS - FRENCH PATENTS - U.S.A. PATENTS - GERMAN PATENTS"
* Dial: Beautiful off-white / cream dial featuring crisp Arabic numeral hour markers, perimeter minute track, and an elegant sub-seconds register at 6 o'clock. Signed "ROLEX OYSTER".
* Hands: Flame-blued steel hands (leaf/spade style).
* Crown: Original vintage "OYSTER PATENT +" crowned winding crown.
* Strap: Vintage brown leather strap with pin buckle.
Condition Report

* Aesthetics: Excellent condition for a watch of this era. The case retains sharp lines and light polishing. The dial exhibits a beautiful, natural aging that collectors love, and the blued steel hands retain deep cobalt hue.

* Movement: Winds smoothly and runs accurately.
* Crown Note for Collectors: The watch features its period-correct "OYSTER PATENT +" crown. Please note: While the movement winds and sets the time normally, the crown threads are worn and no longer screw down into the tube (a common detail for original crowns of this vintage).

Collector's Note
"Finding early pre-WWII Rolex Oysters with their original 'OYSTER PATENT' crowns, intact blued steel hands, and pristine case back stampings is increasingly rare. This piece is a quintessential milestone for any serious vintage Rolex or military-era collection."

Shipping & Delivery
* Fast & secure shipping worldwide via tracked and insured courier (DHL / FedEx / UPS).
* Carefully packaged in a protective watch travel box.

Here is a professional, high-impact Catawiki listing designed to attract serious horology enthusiasts and vintage Rolex collectors.
RARE Vintage Rolex Oyster "Oyster Watch Co." – Sub-Second – Cal. 15 Rubies (c. 1930s / Early 1940s)

Description
An exceptional piece of horological history: an early Rolex Oyster featuring the iconic sub-seconds layout, original blued steel hands, and a historical "Oyster Watch Co." case back.
Dating from the 1930s to early 1940s, this watch represents the groundbreaking early era of Hans Wilsdorf’s waterproof case innovation. Preserved in remarkable aesthetic condition with an authentic vintage patina, this timepiece is powered by a high-grade 15-jewel Rolex manual-wind movement that is running accurately.

A true collector's item that highlights the roots of the world’s most famous watchmaker.
Specifications & Details
* Brand: Rolex / Oyster Watch Co.
* Model: Rolex Oyster (Sub-Seconds)
* Era: Circa 1930s – 1940s
* Movement: Original Rolex 15 Rubies (Jewels) manual-wind movement, signed "ROLEX 15 RUBIES / SWISS MADE FAB. SUISSE"
* Case Material: Stainless steel Oyster case
* Case Back: Screw-down case back with circular engine-turned finishing, inner-stamped with famous patent marks: "OYSTER WATCH CO. GENEVA-SWISS - GREAT BRITAIN PATENTS - SWISS PATENTS - FRENCH PATENTS - U.S.A. PATENTS - GERMAN PATENTS"
* Dial: Beautiful off-white / cream dial featuring crisp Arabic numeral hour markers, perimeter minute track, and an elegant sub-seconds register at 6 o'clock. Signed "ROLEX OYSTER".
* Hands: Flame-blued steel hands (leaf/spade style).
* Crown: Original vintage "OYSTER PATENT +" crowned winding crown.
* Strap: Vintage brown leather strap with pin buckle.
Condition Report

* Aesthetics: Excellent condition for a watch of this era. The case retains sharp lines and light polishing. The dial exhibits a beautiful, natural aging that collectors love, and the blued steel hands retain deep cobalt hue.

* Movement: Winds smoothly and runs accurately.
* Crown Note for Collectors: The watch features its period-correct "OYSTER PATENT +" crown. Please note: While the movement winds and sets the time normally, the crown threads are worn and no longer screw down into the tube (a common detail for original crowns of this vintage).

Collector's Note
"Finding early pre-WWII Rolex Oysters with their original 'OYSTER PATENT' crowns, intact blued steel hands, and pristine case back stampings is increasingly rare. This piece is a quintessential milestone for any serious vintage Rolex or military-era collection."

Shipping & Delivery
* Fast & secure shipping worldwide via tracked and insured courier (DHL / FedEx / UPS).
* Carefully packaged in a protective watch travel box.

Details

Brand
Rolex
Gender
Men
Model
Oyster - Sub Second
Band material
Leather
Shipped insured
No
Band length
Regular (180–200 mm)
Period
1900-1949
Repainted dial
No
Movement
Manual winding
Dial colour
White
Case material
Stainless steel
Original box included
No
Original papers included
No
Case diameter
33 mm
Original warranty included
No
Condition
Very good - minor signs of wear
United KingdomVerified
152
Objects sold
96.3%
Private

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