Name: Watch
Brand: Rolex
SKU: 25500566
Price: 4730 USD
Availability: InStock

Rolex

1942 ROLEX OYSTER IMPERIAL CHRONOMETER Vintage Mens Midsize World War II Era Watch - 9K Gold

Very Fine & Rare - All Original - Pleasing Condition

Today's offering showcases this very fine and rare Rolex Oyster Imperial Chronometer ref. 2574, made while the company was building its early Oyster line made circa

Watch

Paul

Silver

1942 ROLEX OYSTER IMPERIAL CHRONOMETER Vintage Mens Midsize World War II Era Watch - 9K Gold

Very Fine & Rare - All Original - Pleasing Condition

Today's offering showcases this very fine and rare Rolex Oyster Imperial Chronometer ref. 2574, made while the company was building its early Oyster line made circa 1937 and bought in 1942. If it could talk we would love to hear the stories it could tell about World War II and it's owner A.C. Atwill.

Without question one of the company's greatest contributions to horology is in the area of waterproof cases. The Rolex Oyster case birthed the idea of the modern sport watch as we know it and was a key catalyst for the initial widespread acceptance of the wristwatch.

Several events worked to greatly popularize the watch: Sir Malcolm Campbell's land speed record attempt where he achieved a speed of 272 mpg, all done while wearing perfectly functioning Oyster. And, of course, perhaps the most well-known early event in the company's history: Mercedes Gleitz's English Channel swim wearing an Oyster. Following the historic event, Rolex took out a full-page ad in the Daily Mail introducing the Oyster.

Originally intended for men, this midsize or "boys size" watch measures 29mm wide excluding the crown.

The centerpiece of this watch is the original and untouched "sector dial" with silvered track and chronometer signature. It has a wonderful aesthetic and desirable collect-ability. 

Powering the watch is its original high-grade Rolex Chronometer movement, adjusted for six positions and higher grade than in many Rolexes from the era. 

We were fortunate to acquire it in all-original condition down to its original Oyster Patent crown. 

Its solid gold Oyster case with screw down back is in beautiful condition. Its very pleasing untouched original dial shows only fairly mild aging for the time period. Its original blued steel "diamond" hands retain a gorgeous blue tone.

One of our watchmakers has just disassembled it down to the last screw and cleaned and oiled the movement. It is very clean. It continues to run strong and true keeping very accurate time.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a new Hirsch calf leather strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment. 

Detailed Appraisal: 

Manufacturer: Rolex 

Country of origin: Switzerland

Model: Oyster Imperial Chronometer, ref. 2574

Serial no: 41,189

Year built: c. 1937 - sold c. 11-8-1942

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds 

Designed for: Men

Case material: 9K gold

Case markings (outside): 41,189, 2574, personalized "A.C. Atwill - 11-8-42"

Case markings (inside): Oyster Watch Co., Geneva Swiss, Great Britain Patents, Swiss Patents, French Patents, USA Patents, German Patents, Rolex Watch Co. - various hand-engraved watchmakers marks showing a service history

Case condition: Beautiful condition and fully retains its original stamped serial and reference numbers.

Crown: Original rare Rolex "Oyster Patent" screws down with about a half of a turn.

Dial: Silver, signed Rolex Oyster Imperial Chronometer and Swiss Made, black painted radial Arabic numerals, outer railroad minute track and metallic silver sectors, original and untouched, excellent condition with fairly mild aging for the time period

Dimensions: 29mm wide (excluding crown - the crown adds another approx. 3mm) by 36mm long lug tip to tip

Hands: Original, blue steel, "diamonds

Movement type: Signed Rolex Chronometer, manually wound, nickel finished, patented Super Balance system, 18-jewel lever movement with Breguet overcoil hairspring, index regulator, timed in six positions

Band: Calf leather, fully stitched, designed for fixed lug use, brand new and unused

Width between lugs: 16mm

Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition

Serviced: One of our watchmakers has just disassembled it down to the last screw and cleaned and oiled the movement. 

Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It continues to keep very accurate time.

Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate

SKU 8394SH

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