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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Military manual wind wristwatch

Rolex Oyster Army Military Wrist Watch, Reference 3139

Partially verified

This vintage Rolex Oyster Army wristwatch features a tonneau-shaped stainless steel case stated to measure 30mm by 38mm. The silver dial is set with Arabic numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position, and luminous-filled hands including a Mercedes-style hour hand. The dial is signed 'ROLEX OYSTER ARMY' beneath the coronet symbol. The seller reports that the watch is powered by a 17-jewel manual-wind movement adjusted to two positions, dates to circa 1946 (or circa 1947 in the title), and has received a complete restoration.

Dial and case view of the Rolex Oyster Army reference 3139 on a brown leather strap
Dial and case view of the Rolex Oyster Army reference 3139 on a brown leather strap — Renaissance Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.renaissanceantiques.com
Category
Wristwatch · Military manual wind wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
3139
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Circa 1946
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
212424

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

Identity and Dating

The object is catalogued by the seller as a Rolex Oyster Army military wristwatch bearing reference number 3139 and serial number 212424.

A dating discrepancy exists across the seller's documentation: the title designates the piece as 'Circa 1947', whereas the listing body and details state 'dating to 1946' and 'Circa 1946'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rolex Oyster Army Military Wrist Watch, Circa 1947”
  • “This Rolex Oyster Army military wrist watch, dating to 1946”
  • “Reference# 3139”
  • “Serial# 212424”
  • “Circa 1946”

Case and Dial Configuration

The watch is housed in a stainless steel case reported by the seller to measure 30mm by 38mm. Visual inspection records a tonneau-form case with a fluted winding crown situated at the 3 o'clock position, mounted on a brown leather strap displaying contrast stitching.

The face presents a silver dial with Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock. Visible hands include a luminous-filled minute hand and a Mercedes-style hour hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “durable stainless steel case”
  • “30mm x 38mm”
  • “Silver dial with subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock”
  • “Mercedes-style hour hand and luminous-filled minute hand”
  • “Tonneau-form stainless steel case with fluted winding crown at 3 o'clock”
  • “Fitted with a brown leather strap showing contrast stitching”

Reported Movement and Restoration

The internal mechanism is described in source text as a Swiss Rolex Oyster Army 17-jewel manual-wind movement adjusted to two positions. Movement components and caliber numbers are not visible in the provided photograph and cannot be independently confirmed.

The seller states that the watch 'bears a complete restoration'. Specific procedures, such as dial repainting, reluming, or parts replacement, are not detailed in the source documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Powered by a 17-jewel manual wind movement adjusted to two positions”
  • “Swiss Rolex Oyster Army 17-Jewel Manual Wind Movement, Adjusted to 2 Positions”
  • “This Rolex bears a complete restoration”

Open research questions

  • What specific caliber is stamped on the movement, and do internal markings align with reference 3139?
  • What specific work was undertaken during the reported 'complete restoration', particularly regarding dial refinishing, luminous hands, and case polishing?
  • Does the case back contain military issue stamps, serial numbers, or internal Rolex reference hallmarks?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Oyster Army Military Wrist Watch, Reference 3139
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference Number3139“Reference# 3139”
Serial Number212424“Serial# 212424”
Dimensions30mm x 38mm“30mm x 38mm”
Movement17-jewel manual wind, adjusted to 2 positions“17-jewel manual wind movement adjusted to two positions”
Case MaterialStainless steel“durable stainless steel case”
Seller SKUROBU 8 P“SKU: ROBU 8 P”
Reported Restoration StatusComplete restoration reported“This Rolex bears a complete restoration”
Offered Warranty18-month warranty“comes with an 18-month warranty”

Visible details

  • Silver dial with subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock
  • Mercedes-style hour hand and luminous-filled minute hand
  • Tonneau-form stainless steel case with fluted winding crown at 3 o'clock
  • Fitted with a brown leather strap showing contrast stitching

Research qualifications

  • Movement is not visible in the provided photograph; caliber and adjustment details rely entirely on source text
  • Case back is not depicted
  • Date discrepancy between 'Circa 1947' in the listing title and 'Circa 1946' in the body text

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

Consulted source

Rolex Oyster Army Military Wrist Watch, Circa 1947 - Renaissance Antiques

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 01353319dc

Terms in this record

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