Rolex Oyster 2136

An extremely early, manually-wound Oyster from the early 1930s, historically significant for its distinctive octagonal case. This reference is a key example of Rolex’s initial strategy of pairing its revolutionary waterproof technology with the fashionable, Art Deco-influenced geometric designs of the era. By offering the robust Oyster in a variety of stylish forms, Rolex broadened its appeal beyond pure utility, establishing from the very beginning that a durable tool watch could also be a sophisticated design object.