Rolex Oyster 4365

The Rolex Oyster ref. 4365 is a manually-wound stainless steel wristwatch produced during the late 1930s and early 1940s, showcasing the early evolution of Rolex’s Oyster case technology. Measuring 30.5mm in diameter, the watch features a smooth bezel, domed acrylic crystal, and screw-down caseback and crown that provided effective water resistance—hallmarks of the burgeoning Oyster line. Powered by the Rolex Caliber 700, the movement offered basic time-only functionality with proven durability and ease of service. The dial options were typically practical and conservative, including silver, cream, or black finishes with Arabic numerals or a mix of numerals and indices, and pencil-style hands. Its 36mm lug-to-lug size and 17mm lug width contribute to a compact and balanced fit on the wrist. Though relatively understated in design, the 4365 is valued for its representation of Rolex’s pre-war engineering and its place in the development of the waterproof wristwatch. It appeals today to vintage collectors seeking a straightforward, historically significant model from the early stages of Rolex’s Oyster case legacy.