Long before the mighty Daytona, there were Oyster chronographs as far back as the 1940s. Nicknamed monoblocco or ”POW“ (prisoner of war) chronos, they were housed on deep Bubbleback cases with two-sub counters. The POW nickname comes from the fact that Hans Wilsdorf used to smuggle these watches into POW camps to officers via Red Cross parcels! Monoblocco cases were two piece Oysters where the bezel and the mid-case were one piece, unlike later watches when the bezel was a separate component.

As you might have guessed, we love these watches!

We are delighted to offer this amazing example with a really strong steel case.
This watch houses a nicely aged dial, with both a telemeter and tachymeter scale and radium hours.

We love the painted coronet and Rolex text that has the SWISS MADE in English but the chronograph scales in French; a correct and fun quirk of the era.
The spring link Oyster bracelet is in fantastic condition and features straight end links and a clasp stamped ‘4 66’. The watch has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.

Do you love this amazing early Oyster chronograph as much as we do? Get in touch and let us share our passion with you about why we love this watch.

Specifications:

- Reference 3525
- 35mm steel two-piece case
- Serial 386xxx dating to 1946
- Patinated dial with dual scales
- Pump pushers , early winding crown
- Steel Oyster rivet spring-link bracelet with straight end links
- Calibre 13 Valjoux-based movement
- Fully serviced by our watchmaker
- One-year mechanical warranty
- Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping