1945 ROLEX Vintage VICEROY IMPERIAL Watch - SS & ROSE GOLD
Very Fine, Rare, & Beautiful - Ref. 3359 - Original Dial

Very Fine, Rare, & Beautiful, - Ref. 3359 - Original Dial - Serviced and Warranteed

A very important and historical early Rolex

Perhaps no name in watchmaking is more universally known than Rolex. As one of the very first builders of wristwatches, their masterful quality is legendary, landing them among the likes of Vacheron & Constantin and other fine watchmakers whose timepieces are the most respected and valuable in the world.

Without question one of the company's greatest contributions to horology is in the area of waterproof cases. The Rolex Oyster case birthed the idea of the modern sport watch as we know it and was a key catalyst for the initial widespread acceptance of the wristwatch.

Today's auction features a rare, Rolex Viceroy Imperial made in the 1940's. Housed in one of Rolex's early watertight Oyster cases, this wristwatch featured a unique three-piece case with screw-down bezel, offering its owner complete protection against water, dust, and perspiration. Equipped with an early, rose gold engine-turned bezel it brought a touch of class to the company's emerging Oyster line.

Beating away inside our Viceroy / Imperial watch is a very fine Rolex 10 1/2''' ligne movement. Complete with Rolex's patented Super-Balance system and a Breguet coil over hairspring, it easily achieved observatory chronometer status, a title reserved for the most accurate watches in the world.

We were fortunate to acquire the watch in such extra-fine condition. The stainless steel and 18K rose gold case is in excellent condition. Unlike most engine-turned Rolex watches from the period which show significant wear to the bezel, ours still clearly shows virtually of of the decorated gold work. The complementary salmon dial is 100% original, showing only slight signs of aging. The high-grade Rolex movement is clean and running strong.

We have fully serviced and oiled the watch using fine oils, then timed it on a state-of-the-art computerized system resulting in excellent readouts. Included with the purchase is a a full one-year international warranty and a Certificate of Authenticity

This is a rare opportunity to own a special vintage Rolex and a true world-class timepiece.

Note: This reference was described in period advertising as the “watch that lives without breathing” due to its highly hermetic seal. A similar watch is illustrated in “Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches”, by Osvaldo Patrizzi, 2001 Edition, p. 113.

Price: $2195.00

Timepiece's Finer Points:

FUNCTION: Chronometer Time, Waterproof, Sweep Seconds

Manufacturer: Rolex

Country of origin: Switzerland

Year built: c. 1945

Model: Reference 3359, serial 322,512

Functions: Chronometer Time, Waterproof, Sweep seconds

Designed for: Men

Case material: Stainless steel and 18K rose gold

Case markings (outside): Stainless steel, 322,512

Case markings (inside): Brebetee, Rolex S.A., Geneve, Swiss, Patented, Haute Precision R.W.C Ltd.,Stainless Steel, 3359

Dimensions: Man's size, 29.5mm wide (excluding crown), 39mm long lug tip-to-tip

Hands: Original, luminous "batons", blue steel, mint condition with light aging

Movement type: High grade, 10 1/2 ligne, manually wound, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, micrometer regulator, Breguet balance spring

Movement markings: Rolex, Geneve, Swiss, 18614, Seventeen 17 Jewels , Chronometer, Patented, Super Balance

Jewels: 17 rubies

Band: Genuine crocodile, high quality, fully stitched for greater durability, padded for comfort

Band condition: Brand new and unused

Width between lugs: 16mm

Crystal type: Extra-hard unbreakable acrylic

Serviced: Yes, by JM. Cleaned and oiled using fine oils.
Please visit: http://www.connoisseuroftime.com/pages/team.htm for more information on our watchmaking team.

Timing: Extensively timed on a state-of-the-art Microset III watch timer, keeping very accurate time

Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please see our eBay About Me page for details.

Box/Papers: BOX - Deluxe mahogany watch presentation box

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SELLING POLICIES

100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All items are packaged carefully and mailed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items.

US, Canadian, and British buyers paying by Paypal must use a confirmed address.

The water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms.

The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer. Please be aware of the cost of these for your country as you enter a bid.