Rolex
"Tropical" 1948 Rolex Oyster Precision (Ref. 4499)
The Rolex ref. 4499 wore many hats when the model was introduced in the 1940s, one of which was the first reference to bear the iconic "Air-King" name, however, several "Oyster Precision" models were created under the same reference as well. Rolex signified its more economical timepieces with the text "Precision" printed on the dial. These watches carried in-house movements that were well-made, but manually wound.
The Rolex Oyster Precision ref. 4499 example we're proud to present here is a truly stunningly attractive and unique timepiece. This example features an uncommon combination of lumed markers and numerals along with a vibrant golden patina throughout the dial itself and early sport model-style Mercedes hands that are blued to dramatic effect for a mesmerizing contrast and color combination with the dial.
| Stock # | RLXORP4499 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Oyster Precision | |
| Model | 4499 | |
| Serial | 26XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Tropical | |
| Millimeters | 34 | |
| Bracelet | Rolex 7205 Oyster-Rivet Bracelet W/ 60 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The early Oyster case features lug holes only on the left side of the case along with longer lugs which give the watch a larger wrist presence than later 34mm Oyster case models. The case itself is in very impressive condition for its age with gentle signs of use and minimal evidence of previous polishing present while retaining the original geometry and dimensions intended for the design. The case retains its original "Rolex Oyster" screw-down crown. The later Rolex 7205 Oyster-Rivet bracelet with 60 end pieces dates to 1966 and retains 12 links that show light stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/2-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The original "Swiss Made" Oyster Precision dial features a closed-minute track and early Rolex sports watch design features, such as the lume triangle at 12 o'clock and lumed bars at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, while the remaining markers are lume Arabic numerals which give this watch a distinctly unique yet attractive marker composition. The dial itself has achieved a vibrant tropical patina that consists of gold and champagne coloring with a subtle speckled patina for an amazingly attractive vintage aesthetic. The unusual blue hour and minute sport-style hands, along with the gilt center seconds hand are original to the watch and create a beautiful contrast with the tropical dial. Under UV light inspection the radium dial lume remains completely original with the only degradation of note being present in the "1" of the "10" numeral, however, it does not affect the visual integrity of the watch. The hands appear to be previously professionally restored to match the dial lume.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.
