Rolex - Special 'Platinette' - No reserve price - 930050 - Men - 1900-1949

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of early Rolex craftsmanship, featuring the desirable "Special" designation housed in a rare Platinette case. The watch showcases a sophisticated two-tone dial with distinct Art Deco styling, offering a glimpse into the elegance of the Roaring Twenties. It is a pocket watch that bridges the gap between horological history and functional art, making it a distinct addition to any serious collection of early Swiss timepieces. Brand: Rolex Model: Special Serial Number: 930050 Movement: Manual Wind Dial: Two-tone cream and white with Arabic numerals Case Size: 41 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Platinette Production Year: c. 1920s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest, original aesthetic with visible signs of history that add to its character, while the movement remains in functioning order running order. Dial and Hands The dial features a classic two-tone sector style design, separating the hour track from the central area, signed clearly with "Rolex Special." The black Arabic numerals are stylized in a period-correct Art Deco font, providing excellent legibility against the outer track. A sub-seconds register sits at the six o'clock position. The dial shows signs of aging, including faint hairlines and patina consistent with a watch of this centennial vintage. The skeletonized hands appear to be original, showing oxidation and aging that matches the overall vintage presentation. Case and Crystal The case is crafted from Platinette, a proprietary alloy used by Rolex in the early 20th century to mimic the luster of platinum or white gold. The snap-back case is internally stamped "Platinette Rolex Special" along with the serial number. The exterior shows visible surface scratches, marks, and general wear accumulated over decades of handling, which is expected for an unpolished piece of this age. The coin-edge texture near the crystal remains visible. The crystal shows some surface marks but remains clear enough to view the dial details. Movement Powering this timepiece is a manual wind movement signed "Rolex Lever" on the ratchet wheel. The bridges feature Geneva stripe decoration, highlighting the quality of finish Rolex applied even to their mid-tier models of the era. The movement is running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher results indicating a daily rate of approximately +21 to +27 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement for a timepiece of this age. Strap As a pocket watch, this timepiece is not fitted with a wrist strap. It is photographed with a vintage braided cord fob attached to the bow, which complements the aesthetic of the watch. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. It displays evident signs of use and age, including scratches on the case and patina on the dial and hands, but retains a strong structural integrity. It presents as an honest, unrestored survivor that has been used and enjoyed, rather than a safe queen. Dimensions The case measures 41 mm in diameter excluding the crown, making it a standard and comfortable size for a dress pocket watch of this period. Remarks The "Special" model was marketed by Rolex as a high-quality yet accessible timepiece during the 1920s and 1930s. The use of Platinette is a significant collecting point, representing a specific era of Rolex case manufacturing experimentation. Finding one with the correct internal signatures and the "Special" dial configuration makes this a compelling piece for historians of the brand. History Rolex, founded by Hans Wilsdorf, established its reputation for precision early in the 20th century. During the 1920s, before the complete dominance of the wristwatch, Rolex produced high-grade pocket watches like this "Special" model to cater to gentlemen who preferred the traditional carry method. These pieces were instrumental in building the brand's reputation for reliability and chronometric performance which would later define their Oyster line. / Second Vintage SKU: ROL1DVAVCI000