Wristwatch · Water-resistant center-seconds wristwatch

Oyster Watch Co. Raleigh wristwatch

Partially verified

This mid-size wristwatch, designated as the 'Raleigh' model by the Oyster Watch Co. of Geneva, dates to approximately 1940. Housed in a two-body stainless steel case measuring 30.5 mm in diameter, the watch features a screw-down crown and case back, along with concave lugs and an inclined bezel. The watch is powered by a 10 1/2''' rhodium-plated movement, which includes 15 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a monometallic balance with a flat balance spring. The two-tone matte silver and gilt dial displays Arabic numerals and luminous baton hands, with an outer minute and seconds track featuring five-second increments. This specific example was formerly owned by Canadian general and diplomat James Alan Roberts. The lot is accompanied by a Rolex box, an article regarding the watch, and a copy of the former owner's memoirs.

The Oyster Watch Co. 'Raleigh' wristwatch presented in its Rolex-branded case. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category: Wristwatch · Water-resistant center-seconds wristwatch
Maker / attribution: Oyster Watch Co.
Reference: 3136
Catalogue / lot identifier: 214
Source-reported date: circa 1940
Source-reported place: Switzerland
Source-reported serial: 110749

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The watch is constructed in a two-body stainless steel case with a diameter of 30.5 mm and a thickness of 11.5 mm. The external features include polished surfaces, an inclined bezel, and concave lugs, which hold the watch securely to the strap. The case design incorporates a screw-down crown and a screw-down back, which the auction records indicate is engraved with the name 'J.A. Roberts'.

The dial is finished in a two-tone matte silver and gilt configuration, providing contrast for the Arabic numeral hour markers. The perimeter of the dial features a detailed track for seconds and minutes, marked with Arabic numerals at five-second intervals. Time is indicated by luminous baton hands, although the auction report identifies that these components are partially replaced.

Evidence for this section

“C. Two-body, polished, screw-down case back and crown”
“the back engraved ?J.A. Roberts?”
“D. Two-tone matte silver and gilt with luminous Arabic numerals”
“HANDS Partially replaced”

Movement and Mechanical Details

Internally, the timepiece is driven by a 10 1/2''' rhodium-plated movement. The movement features 'fausses cotes' decoration, which serves as a traditional finish for watch calibers. It is built with 15 jewels and utilizes a straight-line lever escapement to facilitate accurate timekeeping.

The balance assembly consists of a monometallic balance paired with a self-compensating flat balance spring. Regulation is managed via an index regulator.

Evidence for this section

“M. 10 1/2''' rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 15 jewels, straightline lever escapement”
“monometallic balance, self-compensating flat balance spring, index regulator”
“Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is associated with General James Alan Roberts (1906-1990), a Canadian military figure and diplomat who served as the Commanding Officer of the 8th Canadian Brigade in Holland and later as Canada's Ambassador to Switzerland. His professional career also included serving as the Deputy Secretary General of NATO.

The lot includes specific supplementary materials meant to establish its history and origin. These items consist of a Rolex-branded display box, a German-language article concerning the watch, and a hardback edition of the memoirs written by General Roberts.

Evidence for this section

“James Alan Roberts (1906-1990) was a Canadian general and diplomat”
“Accompanied by a Rolex box, an article about the watch (in German) and a hardback copy of the memoirs of James Roberts”

Open research questions

What is the specific movement caliber number associated with this Oyster Watch Co. reference 3136?
Did the watch undergo the recommended overhaul since the publication of the auction listing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Oyster Watch Co. Raleigh wristwatch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Case reference	3136	“Ref. 3136”
Case number	110749	“case No. 110749”
Movement size	10 1/2'''	“10 1/2''' rhodium-plated”
Dial description	Two-tone matte silver and gilt	“Two-tone matte silver and gilt”
Case diameter	30.5 mm	“Diam. 30.5 mm”
Movement construction	15 jewels	“15 jewels”
Case construction	Two-body	“C. Two-body, polished, screw-down case back and crown”
Former ownership	General James Roberts	“Formerly the Property of General James Roberts”

Visible details

The case back is engraved with the initials 'J.A. Roberts'
The dial features a dual-tone aesthetic with silver and gilt sectors
The crown is of the screw-down type
Luminous material is applied to the baton hands and Arabic numerals

Research qualifications

The auction description notes the hands are partially replaced
The auction description reports the movement requires an overhaul

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Formerly the Property of General James Roberts, D.S.O., E.D., Former Canadian Ambassador to Switzerland and Deputy Secretary General of NATO. Oyster Watch Co. Geneva, "Raleigh", case No. 110749, Ref. 3136. Made circa 1940. Fine and historically interesting, center-seconds water-resistant, stainless steel mid-size wristwatch with two-tone dial, Accompanied by a Rolex box, an article about the watch (in German) and a hardback copy of the memoirs of James Roberts.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record fa74b92a60

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.