Rolex

1941 Rolex Oyster Royal (Ref. 2574)

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When you think of Rolex, you probably think of names like Submariner, Daytona, or GMT. But before any of those were a household name or even conceptualized, there was the Rolex Oyster Royal ref. 2574 aka the "Royal." Its 29.5mm case was, at the time, marketed as a "boy's size" watch, but today this manually wound, unisex, mid-century Rolex is a fantastic-looking time capsule and member of arguably the most important family in horological history.

SPECS

Stock # RLXOP2574
Brand Rolex
Style Oyster Royal
Model 2574
Serial 126XXXX
Size Men's / Unisex
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Silver "Aged"
Millimeters 29.5 
Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap

CASE & BRACELET

The 29.5mm stainless steel Oyster case is very well-preserved, especially for the age of the watch, and features lug holes only on the left side of the case giving the watch a charming vintage appeal. The case itself exhibits gentle signs of previous use with full factory dimensions throughout, and minimal evidence of previous polishing present. The 'Oyster-Patent' screw-down crown is original to the watch. The case back retais deep factroy engravings with some expected but light wear present. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc leather strap. 

DIAL & HANDS

The original dial is in true vintage condition, with graceful and intense aging that offers a character that no modern watch could hope to match. It features a mix of alternating radium markers and radium Arabic numerals, with a sub-seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The radium lume plots feature a very dark, almost black patina with some light degradation present under UV light inspection. The blued hands are original and remain in excellent condition, under UV light inspection the hands feature an early professional restoration and feature some minor oxidation and lume loss in the post of the hour hand.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time, backed by 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.