98th Auction
2018/11/10
Lot 347
A collection of 2 early Rolex wristwatches
Rolex "Oyster" - so called "Mercedes Gleitze", Case No. 28373, Ref. 679, 32 x 38 mm, circa 1930
An early octagonal cased wristwatch - made for the British market
Case: 9k gold, screw back, screwed "Oyster Patent" crown. Dial: enamel.
Watches specially designed for divers were first introduced in 1926. They featured purpose-made, protected crowns to make the watches water-resistant. In the same year, Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf presented the Oyster case with a screwed crown, screwback and a fully sealed crystal. At the time this was the first truly waterproof watch case. One year later, in October 1927 Wilsdorf asked British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze to wear a Rolex Oyster during her attempt to be the first British woman to swim the English Channel. Gleitze failed to complete the swim but the Rolex she wore around her neck remained in perfect working order.
Wilsdorf responded with a full page advert on the front page of the Daily Mail titled "The wonder watch that defies the elements" to advertise his fine, quality timepieces.
Rolex "Oyster" - so called "Mercedes Gleitze", Case No. 28373, Ref. 679, 32 x 38 mm, circa 1930
An early octagonal cased wristwatch - made for the British market
Case: 9k gold, screw back, screwed "Oyster Patent" crown. Dial: enamel.
Watches specially designed for divers were first introduced in 1926. They featured purpose-made, protected crowns to make the watches water-resistant. In the same year, Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf presented the Oyster case with a screwed crown, screwback and a fully sealed crystal. At the time this was the first truly waterproof watch case. One year later, in October 1927 Wilsdorf asked British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze to wear a Rolex Oyster during her attempt to be the first British woman to swim the English Channel. Gleitze failed to complete the swim but the Rolex she wore around her neck remained in perfect working order.
Wilsdorf responded with a full page advert on the front page of the Daily Mail titled "The wonder watch that defies the elements" to advertise his fine, quality timepieces.
estimated
3.000—5.000 €
Price realized
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