Rolex Oyster Perpetual 4130

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 4130 is a rare early model produced in the late 1930s, showcasing Rolex’s commitment to merging automatic movement innovation with its robust Oyster case design. The watch features a 30mm stainless steel or gold case equipped with a screw-down crown and caseback, as well as a domed acrylic crystal, forming the foundation of the waterproof technology Rolex was developing during this era. It likely utilized an early automatic caliber—either a bumper-style or primitive rotor-driven movement—providing a power reserve in the range of 36 hours. Dials from this time were clean and functional, with small seconds at 6 o’clock, applied numerals or dot indices, and radium-treated hands, usually set against silver or off-white backdrops. The lug-to-lug length is approximately 36mm, and the lug width is 16mm, which reflects the compact dimensions typical of late 1930s dress watches. The 4130 holds historical value for its role in Rolex’s early Perpetual lineup and is appreciated by collectors for its understated design and contribution to the development of Rolex’s automatic watch identity. Its low production numbers and technical relevance position it as a niche but important reference in Rolex’s legacy.