Rolex Oyster Perpetual 3505

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 3505 is a historic vintage reference produced in the early-to-mid 1930s, known for being among the first models to utilize Rolex’s automatic winding technology in combination with its patented waterproof Oyster case. The 30mm case, available in stainless steel or yellow gold, incorporates a screw-down crown, screw-down caseback, and a domed acrylic crystal, making it a functional waterproof wristwatch during a time when such features were rare. This model was likely powered by an early Perpetual bumper or rotor-type movement—primitive by modern standards but foundational to the brand’s future development—with a 36-hour power reserve. The dial design includes a sub-seconds register at 6 o’clock, classic Art Deco-inspired applied indices or numerals, and radium-filled hands, typically against a silver or champagne-toned background. With a lug-to-lug length of approximately 36mm and a lug width of 16mm, the 3505 fits the profile of an elegant yet robust timepiece suited for everyday wear in the 1930s. The 3505 holds a significant place in Rolex’s evolution as one of the early representatives of the Oyster Perpetual concept, blending durability with mechanical innovation. Due to its age and low production volume, it is now a highly collectible and historically rich reference within the vintage Rolex community.