Introduction
Famed as the base model that all of Rolex’s sports models use as their foundations, the Oyster is an iconic watch that has a profound impact on horology. While its no-frills stainless steel construction is utilitarian, its design is equally timeless and classic. With its smooth bezel and clean dial, the Oyster has long been a collector favourite. Offered here as an off-shoot of the Oyster we have the Oyster Imperial Viceroy ref. 1573, a 39mm x 29mm tonneau-shaped manual-wind timepiece that stands as an example of Rolex’s early desire to innovate, with its two-tone construction made from 18kt yellow gold, for its bezel, and Rolesium for its case, which was an early attempt to create a new stainless steel material that would feature steel’s robustness and platinum’s lustre. Featuring an Arabic dial with a two-tone silver color and radium indices, hands, and Arabic numerals and a large OYSTER PATENT-signed winding crown this is a wonderfully charismatic piece of mid-century watchmaking history.
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Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$2,000 – $4,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
39mm x 29mm
Model
Oyster Imperial Viceroy
Movement
Manual-wind
Reference
1573
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1930s
Condition
Very good
Material
Steel (Rolesium)
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Boasting a bright two-tone silver dial, this example's radium-filled luminous hands and hour markers pop off against their bright backdrop.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring a tonneau-shaped case made from a proprietary steel alloy called Rolesium, the ref. 1573 sought to combine the benefits of steel with a platinum-like lustre.
Please note: The watch ticks at time of cataloging, but we are unable to get a timing machine readout. A service is recommended.
Condition
Watch is in overall very good condition. The rolesium case shows surface scratches and more noticeable nicks as expected of a watch of this vintage, while the case back retains a well-defined serial stamp. The yellow gold bezel shows scuffs and surface marks. The watch retains its original Oyster Patent crown, which shows some wear to the surface. The dial shows light surface marks, with the lume having darkened or being partially missing, while the blued hands show some oxidation. It is fitted with a brown leather strap and a gold-coloured buckle in good condition.
Please note: The watch ticks at time of cataloging, but we are unable to get a timing machine readout. A service is recommended.
Our Perspective
A beautifully designed watch with its 18kt yellow gold bezel, appealing two-tone Arabic dial, and large winding crown, and bright Rolesium construction this Rolex ref. 1573 will certainly make for a unique addition to any collection.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
