Wristwatch · Manual-winding wristwatch
This vintage Rolex Oyster wristwatch, dating to approximately 1934, features a solid yellow gold case with distinctive stylized hooded lugs. It is powered by a manual-winding movement housed within a three-part water-resistant Oyster case. The dial is finished in a champagne tone with a multi-tone 'bow tie' motif, black Arabic numerals, and a railroad-style minute track on the periphery. At the 6 o'clock position, a subsidiary seconds register is integrated into the dial layout. The time is indicated by blued-steel pencil hands. Notably, the dial is signed 'C. Bucherer's' in the lower half, indicating its history as a retail piece through the C. Bucherer firm. The watch is presented on a black leather strap and the case exhibits wear commensurate with its age.
Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.
The watch utilizes an early Rolex Oyster construction characterized by a three-part, water-resistant case.
The case is constructed from solid yellow gold and is notable for its stylized hooded lugs. These lugs extend from the top and bottom of the circular case, attaching directly to the strap.
The dial displays a champagne-colored surface featuring a central 'bow tie' motif created by varying tones on the dial plate. The layout includes black Arabic numerals for the primary hours and a perimeter railroad track for minute indications.
Time is displayed via blued-steel pencil-style hands. A dedicated subsidiary seconds register is positioned at the 6 o'clock mark, maintaining a functional aesthetic.
The lower half of the dial is marked with the retailer signature 'C. Bucherer's', replacing the chronometer text often found on later models.
The auction description reports that the case displays signs of wear consistent with its age, yet retains its intended presentation. The watch relies on a manual-winding movement to function.
The lug design is noted to influence how the watch sits on the wrist, providing a visual presence that exceeds its objective dimensions.
| Field | Source-reported value | Source quotation |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Rolex | “The Rolex Oyster Perpetual. This is truly the genesis for the entire Rolex brand.” |
| Dating | Circa 1934 | “Dating to circa 1934, this Oyster is something of an 'elevated' model” |
| Case Material | Solid yellow gold | “crafted out of solid yellow gold” |
| Retailer Signature | C. Bucherer's | “this piece is stamped with the name of an early Rolex retailer: 'C. Bucherer.'” |
| Dial Features | Multi-tone bow tie motif | “The gold dial feature a multi-tone 'bow tie' motif” |
| Minute track | Railroad-style | “'railroad' minute track on the outside” |
Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.
Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 07204d8079
Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.
