Rolex Oyster Perpetual 4846

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 4846 is a seldom-seen vintage reference from the mid- to late-1930s, associated with the earliest stages of Rolex’s automatic and waterproof watch evolution. It features a 30mm case constructed in stainless steel or gold, utilizing Rolex’s early Oyster case with a screw-down crown and caseback, paired with a domed acrylic crystal. Inside, the watch was likely powered by one of Rolex’s early automatic bumper or rotor calibers, predating the more advanced Perpetual rotor system, with an estimated 36-hour power reserve. The dial was typically modest, often with sub-seconds at 6 o’clock, applied indices or numerals, and hands treated with radium lume. The lug-to-lug span measured around 36mm, with a 16mm lug width—proportions consistent with dress watches of the era. The 4846 holds significance for collectors as part of the pioneering generation of Rolex Oyster watches and for its contribution to the technological advancements that defined Rolex’s future designs. Due to its early production period and relative scarcity, this reference is both historically relevant and collectible, especially for enthusiasts focused on pre-WWII Rolex models.