Rolex
'The Companion Oyster' Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster | An extremely early pre-production prototype of the world’s first practical waterproof wristwatch, Oyster reference 34075, with Glasgow import hallmarks for 1926/1927
Auction Closed
November 9, 12:39 PM GMT
Estimate
Upon Request
Lot Details
Description
Dial: later salmon dial
Calibre: Rodium finished 9¾” hunter upgraded to cal. 600 with 17 jewels and patented super balance
Case: 9k gold octagonal case with wire lugs, inside case back stamped R.W.C. LTD., hallmarked for 9k gold, 7 World’s Records, Patent Applied for 114948, Oyster Patent winding crown
Closure: screw down case back inscribed Miss M. Gleitze The Companion "Oyster". Vindication Channel Swim. October 21st. 1927
Size: 31mm x 27mm
Signed: case, dial and movement, Glasgow import marks for 1926/1927
Box: yes
Papers: no
Accessories: Accompanied by mid 1970s Rolex service box, a variety of photocopied documents from the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s related to swimming events, correspondence to Rolex UK, Ms Gleitze’s records, the 1976 selection committee of Rolex, Rolex Oyster from 1926 to 1976 and a selection of the Mercedes archives
Miss Mercedes Gleitze, London. Thence by descent to the consignor of Christie’s London, Rolex Watches, 12th June 2000, lot 714
Current important private collection
The Rolex Oyster 50th Anniversary Reception, Greenwich, 22nd September 1976
Consigned by an important private collector who has held the watch for 25 years, since purchasing it at auction, the “Companion Oyster” has been maintained in exactly the same condition as when it was originally offered. Mercedes Gleitze descendants had also maintained the watch as it was when she last wore it. The current condition is an authentic testament to the fact Mercedes “Companion Oyster” had remained her steadfast companion throughout her life. Additionally, the Rolex service box from the mid-1970s is still present; it is assumed to be the very box used by Rolex to return the watch to Mercedes after the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Oyster celebration held at the Greenwich Observatory in London in 1976. Accompanying the watch are numerous photocopied documents containing fascinating
information about Mercedes Gleitze’s life, achievements, and correspondence with Rolex.
This “Companion Oyster” symbolizes several significant shifts in the history of watchmaking. This historically important watch, made unique by its extraordinary provenance, is groundbreaking in many ways. It confirms Rolex's newfound status as a major global player in watchmaking, leading with innovation and the birth of modern sports watch. Mercedes Gleitze became Rolex’s first brand ambassador, redefining the purpose of collaboration between a brand and a celebrity in the process. The Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster has the words "Patent Pending" stamped inside the case back, indicating it was most likely made in early to mid 1926, before the patent for the Oyster case was obtained in early 1927. It is one of only a handful of pre-patent approved Rolex Oysters known to exist.