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Vintage Rolex Oyster Pioneer WW2 Military Watch

■ STATUS: SOLD
THIS TIMEPIECE HAS FOUND A NEW HOME
LAST PRICE
$899.00
BRAND:
Rolex
UNIT CONDITION:
Pre-owned - Good
► SELLER'S DESCRIPTION
For sale is a remarkable piece of horological history: a genuine Vintage Oyster Watch Company Oyster Pioneer from the World War II era. The Oyster Watch Company was owned and operated by Rolex, and during WWII, Rolex used the Oyster Watch Co. name to navigate tariffs and import restrictions in certain markets, particularly in the UK and Canada. As a result, watches were branded Oyster Watch Company instead of Rolex, even though they were manufactured with the same components, built to the same standards, and housed in Rolex’s patented waterproof Oyster case. While the dial does not display the Rolex name, this is still a Rolex-built watch, making it a highly desirable and historically important piece. This example features the Oyster Pioneer configuration and is powered by its original Caliber 59 movement. The watch is currently running smoothly and keeping accurate time. The watch has aged gracefully and shows signs of use and age consistent with a genuine WWII-era timepiece. The dial, hands, case, and movement are original, preserving its vintage authenticity and strong collector appeal. The original dial displays an attractive silver/beige patina with luminous hands and Arabic numerals, delivering the classic vintage military aesthetic. The watch is fitted with a brand new high-end black leather strap. Please note: the crown does currently stay screwed down, but it is finicky and takes some patience as the threads on the crown /tube feel worn ou t. I cannot guarantee how many more screwdowns it has left given this issue. The crown/tube will likely require service or replacement in the future. Replacement tubes can be found on eBay for under $25. Key Details: • Brand: Oyster Watch Company (Rolex-owned wartime brand) • Model: Oyster Pioneer • Movement: Original Caliber 59 • Case Size: Approximately 29mm • Era: World War II (1940s) • Condition: Running and keeping accurate time; shows signs of use and age • Dial: Original silver/beige patina dial with luminous hands and Arabic numerals • Strap: Brand new high-end black leather strap Whether you are a vintage Rolex collector or a fan of historic military timepieces, this Oyster Watch Company Oyster Pioneer represents an excellent opportunity to own a true Rolex-built watch from a fascinating chapter in watchmaking history. Ships carefully. Feel free to message me with any questions.

► ARCHIVE FILE: ROLEX — BRAND HISTORY

Rolex began in London in 1905, when Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis founded Wilsdorf & Davis to case Swiss movements for the British market. Wilsdorf registered the Rolex name in 1908, choosing it because it was short, easy to pronounce in any language, and fit neatly on a dial. He then set about proving that wristwatches, still dismissed as jewelry, could be precision instruments: a Rolex earned the first chronometer certificate granted to a wristwatch in 1910, a Kew Class A certificate followed in 1914, and the firm moved to Geneva in 1919.

Read the full Rolex story — and shop all Rolex watches ►

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