The Rolex Cushion watch has a fascinating story and it was ground-breaking timepiece in its day.
It was the first waterproof and dustproof watch, ever and featured a
hermetically-sealed case to protect the movement. When Rolex first launched it in 1926 they named it the "Oyster."
Rolex honoured their claim to it being the first waterproof watch when, in 1927, Mercedes Gleitze wore it when she became the first ever woman to swim the English Channel. The watch was still in perfect working order when she finished the swim, some 10 plus hours later, and Rolex used this to launch an advertising campaign in Britain. Gleitze's name is still used by Rolex.
Rolex also used Oysters for the first ever expedition to fly over Everest in 1933, a site that would become of great importance for Rolex watches 20 years later!
Rolex produced this watch in several materials including sterling silver, stainless steel, chrome and all carats of gold, including 9ct gold, as we have here. This watch also has the original dust cover for the movement, which is very unusual as it is normally lost. The watch also has the original crown and is the a very, very good condition, with no signs of any personal engravings.
The dial has a nice, even patina to it, which we would expect of a watch of this age, Arabic numerals and outer minute tracking.
Whilst this watch should be loved and enjoyed, for a watch of this age, we would recommended that it is considered for occasional use, once or twice a week. This is largely because watches of this age weren't built to deal with modern life. They do not have dust proofing, shock absorption and are easily magnetised. Please do try and keep they watch away from magnets such as computers, phones, speakers etc. The gold on this watch is also quite soft.
What we think
This is one of the most special pieces that we've added to our stock this year. It is a real piece of Rolex's heritage and of watch history! The watch comes on a 9ct period bracelet and with a vintage retailer's box. We'll be impressed if you can find a better watch than this!
Spec Stuff
Reference :Cushion
Movement :Manually Wound Rolex 10.5H Age :1931/1940 Specific Age : 1935 Case Size :32mm Case Thickness : N/A Lug to Lug :32mm Lugs : 17mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : Vintage Retailers Box Case Material : Hallmarked 9ct Gold Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1935 Rare Rolex Oyster Model in 9ct Cushion Oyster Case with 9ct Gold Period Bracelet
