Rolex Oyster Royal 5025

The Rolex Oyster Royal ref. 5025 is a manually-wound wristwatch produced during the 1940s, notable for its compact size and practical design consistent with early Rolex tool watches. It features a 30.5mm stainless steel case, a smooth bezel, acrylic crystal, and the brand’s patented screw-down crown and caseback, all contributing to its water-resistant Oyster architecture. The movement inside is the Rolex Caliber 700, a reliable hand-wound engine often used in the brand’s smaller references during the era. Dial designs were typically simple and utilitarian, with a silver or cream background, Arabic numerals or mixed indices, and slim pencil hands. Its lug-to-lug measurement is approximately 36mm, and the lug width is 17mm, making it especially wearable for those who prefer smaller, vintage proportions. The 5025 is emblematic of Rolex’s mid-century ethos of producing durable, refined watches for everyday use, and remains a collectible piece among enthusiasts of early Oyster Royals.