Made by Rolex exclusively for the Canadian market, the Oyster Raleigh is one of the last affordable vintage Rolex models.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the case back we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1940.
CONDITION
These models are sometimes confused with being military watches. This is probably because many Canadian troops heading to WW2 in Europe bought these watches with them, and sometimes had their service numbers engraved on the back. The Canadian market watches seem to only have been available between 1935 and 1945.
Despite not saying Rolex on the dial, these models are well documented as being made by the famous Swiss maker. The Oyster case, stamped R.W.C (Rolex Watch co.) is a giveaway – Rolex registered the Oyster trademark in 1926 when they designed the first water and dust proof case. The dial has gone a light shade of green over time, but the 24 hour markings on the dial are still legible. The radium hour markers are good, with just 4 showing some loss of paint. The 6 number is the ‘open’ six that Rolex would later use on the Datejust calendar (launched 1945). The hands have had their Radium replaced with a different material, and the job could have been done with more skill. The signed crown screws down nicely. The Rolex manual wind caliber 59 was based on the FHF 30-1 and features shock protection, an important inclusion if you want to wear a vintage watch regularly. The acrylic crystal is new, as is the strap. This might also look good on a NATO or Bund style strap, but we liked the green. The watch wears bigger than the dimensions suggest, possibly due tot he quite thick waterproof case.
This watch will be supplied with our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video below for more detail.
SIZE
Width with crown 32.2 mm
Width without crown 28.8 mm
Between lugs 16 mm
Lug to lug length 35.2 mm
Bracelet maximum length n/a
Thickness 12.4 mm
All sizes are approximate
PRICE
£SOLD including 3 months guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us.
