Following the introduction of the first Rolex Cushion Oyster and Rolex Octagonal Oyster waterproof watches in circa 1927, Rolex introduced its first Tonneau-cased Oyster watch, in late 1933 / early 1934. These early examples followed the same design principals as the earlier Oyster cases and comprised of four main parts: The main case with lugs on either end, a separate central ring, and separate screw-down bezel and a screw-down case-back. The movement and dial are held in the separate central ring which has external threads at either end, secured inside the case body by the bezel on one side and the case-back on the other, tightened onto two soft metal seals. The screw-down crown comprises of a further three parts which complete the hermetic seal of the case. The watch you see here is a rare and early example of this design which was only produced for a short time as this construction was quite complicated and very expensive to produce. It was therefore replaced by a much simpler design in the late 1930s.
The Case
The early generation Rolex Tonneau Oyster here, in 9ct yellow gold, measures 32mm in diameter, not including the original Rolex Oyster screw-down crown. This may sound small, but this was the standard size for all Oyster-cased watches until 1949 when the 34mm Rolex Oyster case was introduced. The large screw-down winding crown also adds another 4mm to the overall width of the case.
The case is immaculate from every angle. There are no scratches, dings or any other marks visible to the naked eye. Even the knurling on the case-back is crisp and free of damage. The finish on the case body and case-back looks like new! It is only when the inside of the screw-down case-back is revealed, are we reassured that this is an 80 plus-year-old watch. All the markings are perfectly correct, signed R.W.C. for Rolex Watch Co., and ‘Oyster Watch Co.’ and ‘Geneva Swiss’. We also have Glasgow UK 9ct hallmarks from 1935. For reasons of their own, Rolex hallmarked most, if not all, of their early Oyster cases in Glasgow during the 1920s and 1930s. The text then claims 31 World Records! (for accuracy and reliability) There are then British, Swiss, French, U.S.A. and German Patent stamps along with the very clear external case number 34767.
Please also note, the water resistance of this watch has not been tested and it is not guaranteed. As always, our standard advice applies: vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Movement
The Rolex Cal.10½, 17 Jewel hand-wound movement here, has the ‘Extra Prima’ designation, which was more accurate than the standard ‘Prima’ version. As can be seen in the close-ups, this movement is in beautifully clean and sparkling condition with not even the slightest evidence of abuse or damage in the form of poor servicing or water ingress.
The movement has received a full overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist Watchmaker and when tested on our electronic test machine, following careful calibration, the watch movement was running at +9 seconds/day. This is outstanding for any vintage watch, let alone one past its 80th birthday!
We are confident that with continued proper care, this watch movement will run accurately and reliably for many more generations to come. We therefore have no hesitation in offering this watch for sale with our 12 months’ warranty. However, while this watch was designed for daily use, due to its age and tip-top condition, we would recommend occasional use only.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only included if the list price is paid.
The Dial
The Silver-White dial carries applied 1 – 12 standard Arabic yellow gilt numerals, paired with the most beautiful original, restored blued steel ‘Lance’ hands. The dial is signed both ‘Rolex Oyster’ and ‘Super Precision’.
This is the original dial which has been superbly restored by our vintage watch dial restorers, considered the best in the U.K.
The Strap and Buckle
The strap fitted is a new high quality Black ‘Croc’ leather strap, with a matching Rolex gold plated buckle. We feel this nicely matches the watch, however, if a different style or colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige, free of any extra charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown burgundy and black in stock, in plain padded leather, alligator, crocodile skin or lizard skin.
The Box and Paperwork
Although there is no original paperwork with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures, and hallmarks all match and are correct for this watch, dating it to circa 1935.
Detailed particulars are included with the receipt, along with our 12 months warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will be provided at the time of sale. This will also include our ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time.
The high quality hardwood presentation box shown in the photographs is included.
In Conclusion
We have here a beautiful and highly collectable vintage gold watch from horology’s most famous name, which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as be something to treasure and enjoy! A truly top class example of one of the earliest Rolex Oyster watches, ready to wear and practical for occasional use which if treated with care, will make an excellent investment or family heirloom piece.
Even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly in the past 12 months, we still feel great examples such as this are undervalued, because as each year goes by, the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches is expanding almost exponentially and so we think prices are destined to climb ever higher in the foreseeable future.
A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before then restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be very fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.
We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.
If you have any questions please call on Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
