
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer 34mm Vintage Men's Watch 1002
The edit · Watches
A used Rolex Oyster watch. A mechanical watch from these decades was built to be repaired, not replaced. Patina on the dial and a bracelet softened to the wrist are earned, not defects.
The name on the wrist that never lost value.
Founded in London in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis, then moved to Geneva in 1919. Rolex made the first water-resistant wristwatch, the Oyster, in 1926, and the first self-winding movement with a perpetual rotor in 1931.
No other brand holds value like Rolex. Steel sports models from the 1960s and 1970s, the Submariner, Daytona and GMT-Master, are among the most liquid collectibles on earth, and their scarcity is part of the design.
Why it's called that
Rolex Oyster
The Oyster, from 1926, was the first water-resistant wristwatch. Hans Wilsdorf named it after the oyster because the case seals shut the way a shell protects its pearl.
What to look for
Check the reference number between the lugs and the serial, and whether the dial, hands and bracelet are period-correct. An original dial and an unpolished case are worth far more than a refinished one.
Check the case back and movement markings, and whether the crown winds cleanly. A service history doubles the value of any mechanical watch.
How to wear it
Keep the case small and swap the strap. A 34 to 36mm dial under a shirt cuff reads far more deliberate than anything oversized.
Asking price
No bids yet
Affiliate link — if you buy through it, The Vintage Guide may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Keep exploring
More like this
Similar finds from the watches edit.

Watches
Vintage Must De Cartier Tank 23x31mm Ivory Cream Dial Manual Wind
USD 2625.00

Watches
Breitling 40mm Men's Navitimer Vintage Swiss SS Watch Ref 806
USD 2318.99

Watches
Longines Vintage 1950's "mystery dial" men's dress watch, 10k GF manual wind
USD 650.00

Watches
Patek Philippe Vintage Calatrava 60’s 2572
USD 8800.00

Watches
Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-001 Blue Dial 40mm
USD 126500.00

Watches
Vintage Patek Philippe 18k Ellipse Champagne Dial Manual Wind Watch Ref.3546
USD 11500.00

Watches
VINTAGE PATEK PHILIPPE 1960S OPEN PAPERS BLANK GUARANTEE 570 MOON PHASE CHRONO
USD 10000.00

Watches
OMEGA Speedmaster 145.022-74 Vintage 861 Caliber Unpolished Runs Well
USD 5300.00

Watches
OMEGA Seamaster Vintage Automatic Cal 570 movement gold filled
USD 1100.00
![Vintage [N Mint] Omega Constellation Cal.1332 Silver Date Men's Qz Watch JP U653](https://otis.thevintageguide.com/api/city-intelligence/api/image-proxy?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ebayimg.com%2Fimages%2Fg%2F7KgAAeSwtoJqUF1~%2Fs-l1600.jpg)
Watches
Vintage [N Mint] Omega Constellation Cal.1332 Silver Date Men's Qz Watch JP U653
USD 419.99


Sign in