Rolex Oyster Perpetual 3172

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 3172 is one of the earliest known references to incorporate the Perpetual rotor-based self-winding system within Rolex’s patented waterproof Oyster case. Produced in the early 1930s, the watch features a 30mm case manufactured in stainless steel or gold, complete with a screw-down crown, screw-down caseback, and domed acrylic crystal. These design elements underscored Rolex’s commitment to durable, water-resistant wristwatches. The 3172 housed a primitive Perpetual automatic movement—likely a bumper-style or early rotor mechanism—with an estimated 36-hour power reserve, reflecting Rolex’s early mechanical ingenuity. Dials on this reference were typically minimal and functional, with a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock, radium-filled leaf hands, and Arabic numerals or baton markers against a silver, cream, or champagne-toned background. The case measured approximately 36mm from lug to lug, with a lug width of 16mm, maintaining the compact proportions associated with 1930s wristwatches. The 3172 holds particular importance as a foundational piece in Rolex’s transition from hand-wound Oysters to fully automatic, waterproof timepieces. Its scarcity and pioneering role make it an attractive acquisition for seasoned collectors of pre-war Rolex innovations and early Perpetual developments.