The original Rolex Oyster.

This solid 18ct gold watch is the foundation upon which every other Rolex Oyster stands.

With a serial number indicating 1928, with British import hallmarks for 1929, this superb example is nearly a hundred years old and still going strong. Clearly the watch has enjoyed a civilised life, as can be seen by the clear, sharp coin-edge milling on the screw-down bezel and case-back (both serve as keys by which the waterproof Oyster effect is obtained). The early winding crown is also crisp and defined, and most importantly the white vitreous enamel dial is in perfect condition, free of cracks or chips that are often the result of careless watchmakers.

The Oyster was the world's first successful waterproof watch. Released in 1926, it was an immediate smash hit. The British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze wore one on her swim across the English Channel. Twice. 

These watches were usually offered with metal dials, either plain or engine-turned, whereas this is a premium model in white enamel. The style is fresh and unselfconscious. The classic Arabic numerals are simple and legible whilst exhibiting a very discreet playful air in their serifs and terminals. Blued steel leaf hands in the best horological tradition. Rolex managed to add the words 'Ultra Prima' in tiny lettering just above the sub-seconds, indicating the very top grade of hand-adjusted high-precision movement. 

In this age where collecting watches has for many become little more than box-ticking the latest models in a catalogue, anybody with a genuine interest and knowledge in wristwatches has to ask themselves some serious questions if they do not have the original Rolex Oyster already in their collection.