Rolex Chronograph 2303

The Rolex Chronograph reference 2303 is an exceptionally rare and technically significant model from the mid-1930s. Its historical importance is defined by its innovative and patented “anti-goutte” (French for “anti-drop”) locking pusher system. This experimental design was an early attempt by Rolex to improve water resistance on a chronograph before the development of the fully sealed Oyster screw-down pushers. The system required the user to unscrew an outer collar on the pusher before it could be activated, providing a rudimentary seal. Produced for a very short time around 1936, this non-Oyster chronograph features a 34mm three-body case with a snap-on back, available in stainless steel and 18k yellow gold. Dials were typically silvered or black with multi-scale tracks. The watch was powered by a manually wound 13-ligne caliber. Due to its extreme rarity and its unique, historically important pusher mechanism, the 2303 is a “grail” piece for advanced collectors focused on the technical evolution of the wristwatch.