Rolex Oyster Precision 2081 - ‘Telephone’ Dial - ‘Cushion’ Stainless Steel Case

Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, had a clear vision: to put a watch on every wrist. While the wristwatch offered undeniable convenience for quick time reading, it also presented several technical challenges that needed to be overcome. Exposure to the elements stood as the most formidable challenge: a wristwatch is far more exposed than a pocket watch, which stays protected inside a pocket. Think of water, but also dust—both factors that could either impair timekeeping accuracy or completely stop the watch from functioning. Mr. Wilsdorf was well aware of this vulnerability. In fact, in 1926, through the renowned casemaker “C.R. Spillmann & Co SA,” he purchased a patent (number CH 114948) from a small company named “Perregaux and Perret.” The patent covered a screw-down case back and crown, and thanks to it, Rolex would revolutionize the world of watchmaking. That same year, the company created the first "Waterproof & Dustproof Case", and inspired by the animal kingdom, this groundbreaking case was called the "Oyster Case"—a world first. In 1927, Mercedes Gleitze—Rolex’s first sports testimonial, beginning a tradition that continues to this day—became the first woman to swim across the English Channel. On her wrist was a Rolex Oyster. The present example, dating all the way back to 1950, is a close relative of the watch that accompanied the British swimmer on that historic feat. Despite its age, this timepiece remains in an exceptional state of preservation, with its serial number, engraved on the outer caseback, still clearly visible. The ‘Telephone’ dial features gold-applied Arabic indices with matching gold hands. Furthermore, the watch retains its period-correct and very rare buckle with old-style coronet. A rare piece of Rolex history—now offered to the highest bidder.