Rolex Oyster Perpetual 4306

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 4306 is a little-documented vintage model from the early 1940s, representing Rolex’s continued expansion of its waterproof and automatic wristwatch range. It features a 30mm case made from stainless steel or gold, incorporating the signature Oyster case architecture with a screw-down crown and caseback, topped with a domed acrylic crystal. The movement was likely one of Rolex’s early rotor-based automatic calibers, predating the more efficient Perpetual rotor system, and providing a power reserve of approximately 36 hours. Dial configurations during this era were restrained, usually silver or cream-toned with a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock, applied indices or Arabic numerals, and radium-treated pencil or feuille hands. The lug-to-lug span measures approximately 36mm, with a lug width of 16mm, keeping in line with the modest sizing standard of the period. Although not widely known, the 4306 is historically relevant for embodying Rolex’s early efforts to standardize its Oyster Perpetual range, especially in the smaller case segment. Today, it is appreciated among vintage collectors for its rarity, understated elegance, and role in Rolex’s technical transition during the pre-WWII and wartime years.