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Vintage Rolex Oyster Pioneer WW2 Military Watch
■ STATUS: SOLD
THIS TIMEPIECE HAS FOUND A NEW HOME
MODEL:
Rolex Oyster
Rolex Oyster
MOVEMENT:
Mechanical (Manual)
Mechanical (Manual)
YEAR:
1940-1949
1940-1949
CASE SIZE:
29 mm
29 mm
CASE MATERIAL:
Gold Plated
Gold Plated
DIAL COLOR:
Beige, Cream, White
Beige, Cream, White
BAND MATERIAL:
Leather
Leather
WATER RESISTANCE:
Not Water Resistant
Not Water Resistant
► SELLER'S DESCRIPTION
For sale is a remarkable piece of horological history: a genuine Vintage Oyster Watch Company Oyster Pioneer from the World War II era. The Oyster Watch Company was owned and operated by Rolex, and during WWII, Rolex used the Oyster Watch Co. name to navigate tariffs and import restrictions in certain markets, particularly in the UK and Canada. As a result, watches were branded Oyster Watch Company instead of Rolex, even though they were manufactured with the same components, built to the same standards, and housed in Rolex’s patented waterproof Oyster case. While the dial does not display the Rolex name, this is still a Rolex-built watch, making it a highly desirable and historically important piece.
This example features the Oyster Pioneer configuration and is powered by its original Caliber 59 movement. The watch is currently running smoothly and keeping accurate time.
The watch has aged gracefully and shows signs of use and age consistent with a genuine WWII-era timepiece. The dial, hands, case, and movement are original, preserving its vintage authenticity and strong collector appeal. The original dial displays an attractive silver/beige patina with luminous hands and Arabic numerals, delivering the classic vintage military aesthetic. The watch is fitted with a brand new high-end black leather strap.
Please note: the crown does currently stay screwed down, but it is finicky and takes some patience as the threads on the crown /tube feel worn ou t. I cannot guarantee how many more screwdowns it has left given this issue. The crown/tube will likely require service or replacement in the future. Replacement tubes can be found on eBay for under $25.
Key Details:
• Brand: Oyster Watch Company (Rolex-owned wartime brand)
• Model: Oyster Pioneer
• Movement: Original Caliber 59
• Case Size: Approximately 29mm
• Era: World War II (1940s)
• Condition: Running and keeping accurate time; shows signs of use and age
• Dial: Original silver/beige patina dial with luminous hands and Arabic numerals
• Strap: Brand new high-end black leather strap
Whether you are a vintage Rolex collector or a fan of historic military timepieces, this Oyster Watch Company Oyster Pioneer represents an excellent opportunity to own a true Rolex-built watch from a fascinating chapter in watchmaking history.
Ships carefully. Feel free to message me with any questions.
ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS
Bezel Color:Gold
Number of Jewels:17 Jewels
Indices:Arabic Numerals
Vintage:Yes
Case Color:Gold
Department:Men
Caseback:Screwback
Watch Shape:Round
Style:Casual, Classic, Dress/Formal, Luxury, Military, Sport
Features:12-Hour Dial, Small Second, Swiss Movement
With Papers:No
Type:Wristwatch
Band Color:Black
Customized:No
Band Width:16 mm
With Original Box/Packaging:No
Display:Analog
► ARCHIVE FILE: ROLEX — BRAND HISTORY
Rolex shaped the modern sports watch through the waterproof Oyster case, Perpetual rotor, and icons like the Submariner and GMT-Master, making period-correct originality central to vintage collecting.
Read the full Rolex story — and shop all Rolex watches ►► RELATED TIMEPIECES DETECTED (4)
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