Famed as the base model that all of Rolex’s sports models use as their foundations, the Oyster Perpetual is an iconic watch that has a profound impact on horology. While its no-frills construction is utilitarian, its design is equally timeless and classic. With such a timeless design, the Oyster Perpetual has long been a collector favorite. Offered here we have the Oyster Perpetual “Bombay” ref. 1011 with its distinctive 34mm 14kt yellow gold construction that is named after its so-called “bombé” (or “Bombay” in English) lugs, meaning “domed.” Unlike the majority of Rolex’s designs, the Bombay’s eponymous lugs are accentuated through sharp bevels along their hoods and gentle slopes as they wrap around the watch and sit into its mid-case making for a wonderfully unique aesthetic. However, while its construction is special, the ref. 1011 that we have here has another important part of its story, it was given as a gift from T. Eaton Company, the famed Canadian department store retailer, to staff members who had completed 25 years with the company and joined the so-called Quarter Century Club, as referenced on its dial through the indices that read ¼CENTURYCLUB, and its inscribed caseback that names the employee and gives the span of their 25 years of service, 1935 to 1960 as in this case. A special watch given its position as a special commission piece and unique dial, these ¼ Century Club timepieces have grown to be rather collectible like most of Rolex’s historical offerings and so we are delighted to have one to offer you today.

A watch beloved by decades of Rolex collectors, the Oyster Perpetual is as classic as it gets, and this ref. 1011 shows just how unique a seemingly ubiquitous piece of horological design can become with some understated changes that would fly under the radar of anyone who isn't knowledgeable about what to look for.