Rolex

“We sought to create a watch that could withstand every condition, a watch that remains precise despite the elements to which it is exposed.” –Hans Wilsdorf

A landmark in the evolution of the modern wristwatch, the Rolex Oyster represents one of the most important technical breakthroughs of the twentieth century. Introduced in 1926, the Oyster was the world’s first commercially successful waterproof wristwatch, its innovative hermetically sealed case designed to protect the movement from dust, moisture, and the elements. The present watch, dating to 1927 – just one year after the model’s introduction – stands among the earliest surviving completely original examples of this revolutionary design, embodying the pioneering spirit that would come to define the Rolex name. As 2026 marks 100 years of Oyster, examples from these formative years assume even greater historical resonance, offering collectors a direct connection to the inception of Rolex’s dominance.

Housed in a sterling silver case, the present Oyster retains all the defining characteristics of Rolex’s early waterproof construction, including the screw-down bezel and caseback system that ensured its durability. Its original guilloché dial provides an added layer of refinement and is an incredibly rare find. Consider the context of the 1920s, when the wristwatch was still in transition from utilitarian instrument to object of personal expression.

Further enhancing its appeal is the retailer signature of Perry’s, a now-defunct British jeweller, reflecting the distribution network through which Rolex established its reputation in the interwar period. Such co-signed examples offer a glimpse into the brand’s early commercial history, when independent retailers played a central role in introducing these watches to an emerging clientele. Combining historical importance, early production, and elegant execution, the present watch represents a rare opportunity to acquire a cornerstone example of Rolex’s most enduring invention at the moment of its birth.