1930s Rolex Oyster Extra Prima - 17j Timed 6 Positions - 5 countries Patents - Key Symbol Engraved on Caseback 

The Rolex Oyster was introduced in 1926. Its revolutionary screw-down case was designed to create a highly water-resistant enclosure for the movement.

Extra Prima refers to Rolex's early manual-winding movements, regarded as the highest-performing on the market at the time. They held up to modern chronometer certification standards before they were even established, and were rigorously adjusted and tested in six different physical orientations to ensure they could perform under any circumstances.

What's On Offer

Here we have an early Rolex Oyster Extra Prima, dating from approximately the 1930s.

The watch immediately stands out for its unusual case design. The 30mm angular, stepped case and broad lugs give the watch considerable presence on the wrist. The case shows plenty of honest evidence of age, with scratches and surface marks accumulated over decades of wear. Rather than detracting from the watch, these details reinforce its character as an almost century-old watch.

The champagne-coloured dial has developed a beautiful, aged patina across the surface, giving it a wonderfully warm appearance. The very centre is slightly lighter, giving it a sense of depth. Large Arabic numerals mark 12, 3, 6 and 9, interspersed with baton markers, while a fine outer minute track frames the dial. At 6 o'clock sits the subsidiary seconds register, with the Ultra Prima signature arcing neatly around it. The dial is completed by its original syringe hands, which retain their original lume.

Inside is the manual-winding Ultra Prima movement, one of Rolex's early high-grade movements with 17 jewels and a 30-hour power reserve. The inside case back features the prestigious “key symbol” (Poinçon de Maître No. 5), marking the watch case as the work of elite Geneva-based casemaker, E. & A. Rigacci frères. Alongside this, "5 Countries Patents" is proudly stamped, a bold warning shot fired by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf to protect his sealed screw-down crown and bezel design across 5 countries: Switzerland, Great Britain, the United States, Germany, and France. Due to its age, the watch will require servicing.

The overall appearance is quintessentially Art Deco, with the geometric case, large Arabic numerals and concentric design. A wonderful addition to any vintage watch collection.

NB: The service history of this watch is unknown, and as we are selling it on behalf of a consignor who has asked us to help sell an entire collection, it is offered for sale as seen. Our consigners do not service each watch before they’re sold, and they are priced to reflect this without a warranty. However, servicing can be arranged with our watchmaker at an additional cost if you wish. If so, please contact us to discuss this. Once serviced, the watch will be given a 12-month warranty.