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Rolex 1942 Oyster Imperial Chronometer Vintage Mens Midsize World War II Era Watch - 9K Gold

Pre-owned () | Year of production 1937 | No original box | No original papers
$4,046
+ $29 insured shipping within:
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Basic Info

Listing code DJCYZ9
Brand Rolex
Reference number 8394SH
Dealer product code 8394SH
Movement Manual winding
Case material Yellow gold
Bracelet material Calf skin
Year of production 1937
Condition
Scope of delivery
No original box, no original papers
Gender Men's watch/Unisex
Location United States of America, Georgia, Suwanee
Price $4,046
Availability Item is in stock

Caliber

Movement Manual winding
Number of jewels 18

Case

Case material Yellow gold
Case diameter 29 x 36 mm
Dial Silver
Dial numerals Arabic numerals

Bracelet/strap

Bracelet material Calf skin
Bracelet color Black

Description

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

Very Fine & Rare - All Original - Pleasing Condition - 1 Year Warranty

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.

Included with the purchase is a one-year our international warranty on the movement and its function and a full-page custom printed Certificate of Authenticity from our company.

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.

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.

Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please message us for details.

Box/Papers: BOX - A custom watch presentation box from our company; PAPERS - A full page, laminated Certificate of Authenticity from our company.

SKU 8394SH

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Professional dealer | On Chrono24 since 2010
Suwanee, United States of America
English, Czech
751 watches sold
248 active listings
Suwanee, United States of America
English, Czech

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