Though it's not technically a military-issued Rolex timepiece, the Oyster Raleigh is synonymous with World War II for its widespread use among the Allies in WWII, most commonly with British RAF pilots as they trusted the capabilities of the Rolex instead of what was being supplied through military contract during the war. The model name Oyster Raleigh was introduced in 1930, four years after the first Oyster case was invented by Rolex, and features a very early styling of the waterproof case we know today. The dial of the watch isn't directly signed Rolex since Hans Wilsdorf was making a true effort to increase awareness around the new Oyster invention and brand, however, the case back is marked RWC for "Rolex Watch Company" and the inside of the case back features and list of patents for both Great Britain and the USA. Though the technology may seem rudimentary today the Oyster Raleigh was one of the first waterproof watches ever created, even so, the watch feels distinctly modern for its era and use of early manufacturing techniques.
The Rolex Oyster Raleigh ref. 3136 employs the in-house caliber 59 manual winding movement, and this example in particular is in exceptionally impressive, original, and well-preserved conditions. Featuring an era-correct, and possibly original to the watch, Cromwell stretch-rivet link bracelet.
| Stock # | RWCOR3136 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Oyster Raleigh | |
| Model | 3136 | |
| Serial | 15XXXX | |
| Size | Men's / Unisex | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Cream Two-Tone W/ Arabic Numerals | |
| Millimeters | 32 | |
| Bracelet | Cromwell Stainless Steel Stretch-Rivet Bracelet |
CASE & BRACELET
The compact yet robust case is impressively well-preserved, showing no notable signs of over-polishing with the originally intended design on full display and featuring very thick and symmetrical lugs that extend the wrist presence of the watch allowing it to wear much larger than its dimensions read. The case retains its original and very early "Oyster Patent" Brevet screw-down crown. The case back exhibits minimal wear for its age and retains the original factory reference and serial number engravings in deep and crisp condition. The original Cromwell stretch-rivet bracelet retains 13 links that show minimal stretch and will fit up to a 7-inch wrist. The bracelet features a unique closure system that attaches to the 6'clock spring bar and gives the watch a clean claspless design.
DIAL & HANDS
The original dial is downright beautiful and in remarkably clean condition given the age of the watch, though some nominal elements are present, they are mostly invisible to the naked eye and further solidify the originality of the dial. The blued hands and red sweep-seconds hand are also original to the watch and in excellent condition, showing only gentle aging that is nominal in nature.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.
