Description
This 29mm Rolex Oyster Explorer is the first Explorer ever produced by Rolex! Despite what you read anywhere on the net, this boys-size Explorer dates to 1940 and was indeed the very first! This watch is extremely rare and the first we have owned in 25 years collecting Rolex watches. The stainless steel ref. 3121 case has a base-metal bezel that was once gold plated. The original Oyster-patented winding crown is in fine shape. The dial and hands are entirely original to the watch, with gold, reflective outer minute track and sub-seconds. These watches were marketed in Canada only (as were the first dress Explorers in 1953). The Oyster series of watches such as the Raleigh, Lipton, Junior sport, Dudley, Commander, Centregraph etc. were market in the Canadian PX stores to soldiers going overseas in WW2. We purchased this watch from the owner’s wife in New Brunswick, Canada and it was never polished or altered and is in its original state. The correct caliber 59 movement is signed “ROLEX” under the dial.
