THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 3359
YEAR: 1938
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 32mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL / ROSE GOLD
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL / ROSE GOLD
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND
In the world of luxury timepieces, few innovations have left as lasting an impact as the Rolex Oyster. Launched in 1926, the Oyster was a game-changer, being the first wristwatch to be both waterproof and dustproof. This technological leap was significant, but what truly elevated the Oyster to iconic status was the brilliant marketing strategy of Rolex's founder, Hans Wilsdorf.
Just a year after the Oyster's debut, British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze set out to swim the English Channel for a second time. Her initial record-breaking swim had been questioned, so this attempt was under intense public scrutiny. Gleitze took on the challenge with a Rolex Oyster around her neck. Despite swimming for 10 hours in frigid waters and not completing the crossing, she demonstrated incredible endurance. Her persistence reaffirmed her original record, and through it all, the Oyster maintained perfect time. Gleitze was so impressed that she wrote to Wilsdorf, noting how surprised the press was by the watch’s performance.
Wilsdorf capitalised on this success by placing a full-page advertisement in the Daily Mail, celebrating both Gleitze’s determination and the Oyster’s reliability. To further demonstrate the watch's waterproof capabilities, Rolex even sent fish tanks to their authorised dealers, allowing customers to see the Oyster in action.
This example dates to 1938 and is crafted in stainless steel and rose gold. The rose gold bezel and brevet crown complement the iconic tonneau case beautifully. The dial however is the real stand out feature - the simple yet elegant dial in rich salmon colour with blue steel hands are the perfect canvas for the 'Beyer' signature at 6 o'clock, indicating that the watch was originally sold by the Swiss retailer almost 90 years ago. Beyer-signed watches, regardless of what model are extremely hard to come by with some examples selling for way over 6-digits in major auctions.
The case is still in remarkable condition, with sharp lines and definitions. The serial, reference numbers and Rolex crown and brevet hallmark on the caseback are all still incredibly sharp. The steel and rose gold bracelet is in great condition with the clasp stamped 75, it really completes the watch. The movement has just been serviced and is running at +8 s/d, 265 amps with a beat error of 0.5.