The stainless steel, screw-back 3 piece case is complemented by a polished bezel, drawing your eye to that gorgeous original silver speckled dial!  Inside is the manual wind, Rolex caliber 1225, fully serviced by us and running strongly.  The watch comes on a later preferred heavy link Rolex Oyster bracelet to keep it in the sporty category, but it looks great dressed up in leather too!  The watch also comes with our full 2 year service cover for full peace of mind. Note we have also managed to obtain an old image of Argonaut and a Royal Navy HMS Argonaut Enamel Sweetheart Bar Brooch which we will include with this cool package.

VIEW A QUICK PRODUCT VIDEO HERE SOON

Hans Wilsdorf founded Rolex in 1905 at the age of 24, along with Alfred Davis in London. In 1919 they moved their operation to Geneva, Switzerland. This move was brought about by high wartime taxes on Gold and Silver in the UK after the Great war 1914-1918. They were now closer to their suppliers in Bienne. The Rolex Oyster case was released in 1926. Marketed as the world's first “waterproof” watch. The notches on the bezel and case back meant they could be screwed down to the middle case with a special tool invented and manufactured by Rolex to hermetically seal the case. In 1927 a young swimmer Miss Mercedes Gleitz swam the English channel wearing the “Oyster”. Later in 1933 the team of the first expedition to fly over Everest wore them. It was also famously worn by Sir Malcolm Campbell, “King Of Speed”, on the 4th September 1935. An advert of the time made a big splash with him saying “The Rolex watch is still keeping perfect time- I was wearing it yesterday when Bluebird exceeded 300 mph.” He broke the world land speed record 9 times between 1924 and 1936. 1931 saw the debut of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, their first self-winding watch that was also water-resistant and dustproof.

This watch has been fully serviced with our on-site workshop and comes with a 24 month, non-waterproof service cover.

What we think

This exceptional timepiece is more than just a watch; it's a piece of history with a fascinating story. This Rolex Oyster Precision Model 6426 was sold in 1971 aboard the HMS Argonaut (F56), a renowned Royal Navy frigate. Acquired through the ship's NAAFI store, this watch was likely a cherished possession, a personal marker of time for a sailor serving their country.

The watch is a classic example of Rolex's enduring craftsmanship, presented in its original steel finish. It comes with its original box, swing tag, and, most importantly, the papers that authenticate its unique provenance. These documents confirm its sale and serve as a tangible link to its life at sea, making this a rare find for both watch collectors and naval history enthusiasts.

The HMS Argonaut is a significant part of the UK's naval heritage, having served from the early 1960s until 1993, and this watch connects directly to that legacy. This is a chance to own a truly unique item, one that whispers tales of the open ocean and the proud tradition of the Royal Navy.

A worthwhile read on HMS Argonauts Naval History Here!

Spec Stuff