The "Rolex Oyster" that arrived today is a North American specification, larger than the usual Oyster,
commonly known as the Big Oyster.
It's a valuable item that was released in the 1950s.
While a regular Oyster has a bezel diameter of 33mm, the Big Oyster has a bezel diameter of 34mm.
The mid-case is about 3mm larger, giving it a substantial feel.
The North American specification emerged during a time in the 1950s when Rolex began to develop new sales channels.
At that time, many companies eagerly expanded their sales channels into North America,
with Omega and Breitling also introducing many products to the North American market.
The reason for this was the unprecedented economic boom in America during the 1950s,
a time when mass production and mass consumption led to the widespread adoption of all kinds of products.
However, while this didn't last long,
in later space development, as exemplified by the Omega Speedmaster,
watch brands collectively developed products for space.
The Rolex Cosmograph is said to be one of them.
Products for North America during this turbulent era feature many exceptionally rare items.
This Big Oyster is said to be a product aimed at large men,
with Rolex's basic items being made larger,
and the Ref. 1018, known as the Big Oyster Perpetual, was sold concurrently.
This also features a larger size than the regular Oyster Perpetual.
Furthermore, some Rolex products incorporate characteristics of each model,
the Air-King Date is said to be one of them,
and particularly rare items include the Explorer with a white dial and date models,
demonstrating the unusually vigorous sales strategy for North America.
Conversely, during the same period, in the UK, Rolex's home country at the time,
Explorer boy's sizes were also sold, and so on,
many "national treasure-level" items exist in today's vintage market.
It truly makes one feel the beginning of Rolex's golden age.
However, this Big Oyster is also a very charming piece.
The dial, with its combination of Alpha hands and wedge indices seen until around the 1960s,
and the use of a domed plastic crystal, is a must-see for its vintage details.
Later Rolex watches changed to sharp and slender hands and indices,
and in later years, plastic crystals also became flat,
so watches that embody "vintage-ness" are from this era.
Perhaps it's a design that covers the details appreciated by vintage watch enthusiasts,
irresistible to fans, wouldn't you agree?
The movement is Cal. 1215.
One of Rolex's masterpieces manufactured at the same time as Cal. 1210.
It's a consistent movement based on the dial design and case serial number,
and the subtle elegance of the second hand's movement, produced by 8 beats per second, is truly captivating.
When worn, it feels relatively large,
but since it's a hand-wound model, the watch itself is thin.
Those accustomed to watches larger than a Datejust will feel no discomfort,
and for those who usually wear smaller watches, it offers a moderate sense of volume.
But above all, the impact of the watch's design is exceptional,
with splendid details that perfectly embody a vintage watch.
It has an atmosphere where you could talk about this watch for hours.
This time, it's a rare model that you don't often encounter.
Not only does it rarely arrive in our store, but similar designs worldwide have drastically decreased,
so many people must be seeing it for the first time.
There won't be another chance.
Please act fast!
