Offered here is an extraordinary Rolex Oyster reference 3136 dating to 1942, an exceptionally rare survivor from the golden age of early Rolex production. Preserved in remarkable original condition, this watch represents everything collectors hope to find in a pre-war and wartime Rolex: originality, beautiful aging, and a level of preservation that is seldom encountered today.

The centerpiece of this watch is its magnificent original glossy black gilt dial. Black gilt dials from the early 1940s are among the rarest and most desirable dials ever produced by Rolex, and this example has survived beautifully. The glossy lacquer surface still retains an impressive depth and shine, while the warm gilt printing and minute track remain crisp and vibrant. The applied Arabic numerals and baton markers are perfectly balanced, giving the dial an elegant yet highly legible appearance. Over the decades, many black dials have deteriorated, been refinished, or replaced during service, making an untouched original example such as this exceptionally difficult to find.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this watch is the originality of its luminous material. Nearly all of the original radium lume remains present on both the dial and the hands, an incredibly rare characteristic for a Rolex that is more than 80 years old. The matching original gilt hands complement the dial perfectly and further reinforce the watch’s authenticity.

The stainless steel Oyster case remains in outstanding vintage condition and appears to retain its original factory finish and proportions. It shows only honest wear consistent with careful ownership over the past eight decades. The original Rolex Oyster crown and original acrylic crystal are still fitted. The crystal has a small crack at approximately the 6 o’clock position. We have intentionally left it untouched, as preserving the original crystal is far more desirable to collectors than replacing it with a modern service crystal.

Completing this remarkable set is the original Rolex presentation box, the original Rolex guarantee papers, and an exceptionally rare original Rolex price tag. Finding any Rolex from the early 1940s with its original accessories is uncommon, but retaining the original price tag is something that is almost never seen today. The guarantee papers remain unfilled, which is actually quite common for Rolex watches from this era. During the 1940s, these documents were often left blank or simply discarded, making complete examples increasingly difficult to find.

The watch is fitted with a high-quality vintage New Old Stock leather strap that complements the watch beautifully. While the strap is not manufactured by Rolex, it closely reflects the style and appearance that would have originally accompanied the watch.

The Rolex Oyster was already celebrated by the early 1940s as one of the world’s first truly waterproof wristwatches, combining durability, precision, and timeless design. References such as the 3136 were produced in relatively small numbers, and surviving examples with untouched black gilt dials have become some of the most sought-after early Rolex watches among serious collectors.

This is, without question, a museum-quality example. Its extraordinary originality, exceptional black gilt dial, intact luminous material, original crown, original crystal, original box, original guarantee papers, and rare original Rolex price tag make it an outstanding collector’s piece. Watches of this caliber rarely become available, and it would be extremely difficult to assemble another example with this level of preservation and completeness today.

Please Note (Especially for New Collectors)

Before placing your order, please remember that most of our watches are authentic vintage timepieces from the 1920s–1990s. Although every watch is carefully serviced, we preserve as many original movement components as possible to maintain its authenticity. Because of this, vintage mechanical watches will not keep time as precisely as modern watches, and small daily time variations are completely normal.

If your priority is perfect timekeeping, we recommend purchasing a modern watch instead. Vintage watches are meant to be appreciated for their history, craftsmanship, originality, and character. not absolute accuracy.

Please Note (Especially for New Collectors)

Before placing your order, please remember that most of our watches are authentic vintage timepieces from the 1920s–1990s. Although every watch is carefully serviced, we preserve as many original movement components as possible to maintain its authenticity. Because of this, vintage mechanical watches will not keep time as precisely as modern watches, and small daily time variations are completely normal.

If your priority is perfect timekeeping, we recommend purchasing a modern watch instead. Vintage watches are meant to be appreciated for their history, craftsmanship, originality, and character. not absolute accuracy.