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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch

Rolex Oyster Raleigh wristwatch

Partially verified

This Rolex Oyster Raleigh is a manual-wind wristwatch produced in 1942, described in the source as a military-use model. It features a 30 mm diameter stainless steel Oyster case equipped with a screw-down winding crown engraved with the "Oyster Patent" mark. The movement is a Rolex caliber 59, which contains 15 jewels. The dial shows a uniform patina and includes Arabic numerals, a peripheral minute track, steel pencil-shaped hands, and a red center-sweep seconds hand. The case back is of the screw-on type with a serrated edge; the interior surface bears the "RWC" mark for Rolex Watch Company and the reference number 3478. The watch is presented on a grey leather strap. According to the source, the timepiece is in excellent working condition, though these details and the historical association with Canadian military usage originate from the source's documentation.

Front view of the Rolex Oyster Raleigh, showing the dial, hands, and dark brown leather strap.
Front view of the Rolex Oyster Raleigh, showing the dial, hands, and dark brown leather strap. — Ashton-Blakey Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
3478
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1942
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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

The watch is housed in a 30 mm stainless steel Oyster case. The exterior features a screw-down winding crown, which is marked with the inscription "Oyster Patent". The back of the case is a screw-on design with a serrated edge to facilitate gripping during opening and closing.

The dial exhibits a uniform patina across its surface. It features a set of Arabic numerals for the hour markers and a peripheral minute track. The time is displayed via steel pencil-shaped hands, supplemented by a distinct red-colored center-sweep seconds hand. The "Rolex" brand name is signed on the dial below the center point.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه این ساعت از جنس فولاد ضدزنگ ساخته شده و قطری برابر با ۳۰ میلی‌متر دارد”
  • “دارای سرکوک پیچی با عملکرد روان و نشان حکاکی‌شده «Oyster Patent» است”
  • “درب پشت ساعت نیز از نوع پیچی با لبه‌های کنگره‌دار بوده”
  • “صفحه ساعت دارای پتینه‌ای کهن و یکدست بوده”
  • “عقربه‌های فولادی فرم مدادی و یک عقربه ثانیه‌شمار مرکزی به رنگ قرمز است”

Movement and Signatures

The watch is powered by a manual-wind caliber 59 movement, which is constructed with 15 jewels. The internal surface of the case back provides identifying information, specifically the reference number 3478.

The case back interior also features the "RWC" mark, which serves as a signature for the Rolex Watch Company. The source notes that the Rolex name is present on the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “در دل این ساعت، موتور کوکی کالیبر 59 رولکس با ۱۵ سنگ قیمتی قرار دارد”
  • “در بخش داخلی آن امضای RWC متعلق به کمپانی ساعت رولکس به همراه شماره مرجع ۳۴۷۸ نقش بسته است”
  • “نام تجاری Rolex نیز طبق گفته منبع در زیر صفحه امضا شده است”

Provenance and Condition

The source indicates that this watch was used by Canadian soldiers during World War II, although it does not provide specific service records for this particular example.

The source reports that the watch is currently in excellent working condition. The cataloguing body notes that this information is based on the initial seller's reports and does not constitute an independent verification of historical or technical authenticity.

Evidence for this section
  • “این ساعت در دوران جنگ جهانی دوم توسط سربازان کانادایی مورد استفاده قرار می‌گرفت”
  • “این ساعت در وضعیت کارکرد عالی قرار دارد”
  • “تمام مشخصات و جزئیات ارائه‌شده بر اساس اطلاعات منتشرشده توسط فروشنده اولیه گردآوری شده‌اند”

Open research questions

  • What specific archival evidence links the 3478 reference specifically to Canadian military procurement in 1942?
  • Does the current dial patina show signs of moisture-related damage common to military-issued Oyster cases from this period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Oyster Raleigh wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference3478“شماره مرجع ۳۴۷۸”
MovementRolex caliber 59“موتور کوکی کالیبر 59 رولکس”
Case diameter30 mm“قطری برابر با ۳۰ میلی‌متر”
Jewel count15“۱۵ سنگ قیمتی”
Case materialStainless steel“فولاد ضدزنگ”

Visible details

  • Red central seconds hand
  • Arabic numeral indices on dial
  • Serrated screw-down case back
  • Pencil-style hands

Research qualifications

  • Historical use by Canadian soldiers is an unverified claim
  • Historical condition and technical performance are not independently authenticated

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی نظامی Rolex Oyster Raleigh کالیبر 59 ساخت ۱۹۴۲

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record a5c34b1f31

Terms in this record

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

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