Offered here is a beautiful and exceptionally rare Rolex Oyster Ladies reference 3486, dating to 1942. Measuring approximately 20–21mm, this elegant timepiece is a wonderful example of Rolex’s early Oyster craftsmanship during the Second World War. Finding an original example from this period is becoming increasingly difficult, especially one that has retained so many of its original components.

The watch features its original silver dial, which has developed an attractive natural patina over more than 80 years. The aging is entirely consistent with its age and gives the watch the character and authenticity collectors appreciate. It is fitted with its original matching gold hands, original Rolex Oyster crown, and original acrylic crystal, preserving the watch exactly as it was intended.

The stainless steel Oyster case shows honest wear from decades of careful use and, in our opinion, has never been polished. Its sharp lines and original finish reflect the exceptional craftsmanship that made Rolex famous during this era. The serial and reference numbers remain fully visible and well defined, further confirming the originality of the case.

One of the most desirable features of this watch is its original black Rolex leather strap, stamped “Rolex of Geneva,” accompanied by its original Rolex stainless steel buckle. It is increasingly uncommon to find a ladies Rolex from the early 1940s still retaining its original strap and buckle, making this example especially appealing to collectors.

Introduced in the early decades of the 20th century, the Rolex Oyster was the world’s first successful waterproof wristwatch and quickly became a symbol of reliability, precision, and innovation. By the early 1940s, Rolex had established itself as one of the finest watchmakers in the world, producing elegant timepieces that combined technical excellence with timeless design. The reference 3486 perfectly reflects that philosophy, offering understated elegance in a compact size while showcasing the remarkable quality of Rolex manufacturing during the period.

This watch remains in beautiful honest vintage condition with normal wear consistent with its age. Rather than diminishing its appeal, the light signs of use and naturally aged dial tell the story of more than eight decades of history, resulting in a truly authentic and increasingly collectible Rolex Oyster that is becoming harder to find with every passing year.

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.