Rolex Oyster Ref. 4499 - 1944

There is something particularly special about owning a Rolex that is over 80 years old, especially one that retains so much of the character and charm of its era.

This 1944 Rolex Oyster Ref. 4499 takes us back to a very different period in Rolex's history, long before the Submariner, GMT-Master and Explorer would become the watches most commonly associated with the brand today.

The Oyster name was already well established by this point, having been introduced in 1926 as part of Rolex's development of the waterproof wristwatch. By the 1940s, the Oyster case had become an important part of the company's identity, combining practical construction with traditional Swiss watchmaking.

This particular reference is a wonderful example of an early Rolex Oyster, featuring a 34mm stainless steel case, an original dial with printed Roman numeral and baton hour markers, and a subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock.

The dial is undoubtedly the star of the show.

Originally finished in a light silver tone, it has developed a wonderful amount of character over the decades. The printed hour markers feature radium luminous material, which has developed a distinctive golden-brown patina over the past eight decades.

This ageing is particularly noticeable around the Roman numerals and baton markers, creating a beautifully individual appearance. The original hands have also developed their own patina, complementing the warmth of the dial.

Rather than detracting from the watch, these details give it a personality that simply cannot be replicated in a modern timepiece.

The combination of printed radium Roman numerals and radium printed baton markers is especially attractive. It offers a slightly more decorative interpretation of a traditional dress watch dial, while retaining the simplicity and excellent proportions associated with early Rolex watches.

At 6 o'clock sits a recessed subsidiary seconds register with a finely detailed circular finish. Above it, the words 'Shock-Resisting' provide a lovely reminder of the practical engineering considerations that were important to watchmakers during this period.

The stainless steel Oyster case measures 34mm, a traditional dimension for the era, with gracefully tapered lugs and a smooth polished bezel. Its restrained proportions make it an elegant and comfortable watch on the wrist.

Powering the watch is the manually wound Rolex calibre 710, a 10.5-ligne movement of hunter configuration. This is mechanical watchmaking from an era when winding your watch each morning was simply part of everyday life.

Completing the watch is a handmade taupe leather strap, which complements the warm ageing of the dial and gives the entire piece a wonderfully cohesive appearance.

For those who appreciate the history of Rolex, this is a particularly charming example of the brand's early wristwatch production.

Key Features

Rolex Oyster Ref. 4499
Year 1944
Rolex manual wind calibre 710 movement
10.5-ligne hunter-style movement
34mm stainless steel Oyster case
Smooth polished stainless steel bezel
Original silver-tone dial with naturally developed patina
Printed Roman numeral and baton hour markers
Original radium luminous material with golden-brown ageing
Original hands displaying period patina
Subsidiary small seconds register at 6 o'clock
'Shock-Resisting' dial designation
Acrylic crystal
Handmade taupe leather strap
Sold as watch only
12-month Watts On Watches warranty

A Word on Condition

This Rolex Oyster presents as an attractive and characterful example of a watch dating back to 1944.

The original dial has developed a considerable amount of patina, with the radium luminous material around the printed Roman numeral and baton hour markers ageing to a distinctive golden-brown tone.

The original hands also display noticeable ageing, which complements the overall appearance of the dial. The combination creates a particularly attractive vintage aesthetic, with the warmth of the aged luminous material contrasting against the lighter silver dial.

Importantly, this is not a watch that has been made to look new. Its appearance reflects the passage of time, and for collectors who appreciate genuinely vintage watches, that is a large part of its charm.

The subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock remains attractive, with its circular finishing adding a subtle contrast to the main dial.

The 34mm stainless steel case remains well presented, with its distinctive tapered lugs and smooth bezel retaining their attractive shape. There are surface marks and signs of previous wear consistent with a watch of this age.

The watch is fitted with a handmade taupe leather strap, chosen to complement the aged dial and understated appearance of the steel case.

Overall, this is an honest vintage Rolex with plenty of character. It is not intended to be a pristine example, but rather a charming piece of early Rolex history that wears its age particularly well.

Accessories / The Set

This watch is sold as watch only, which is typical for vintage timepieces. We place greater value on condition, originality and overall integrity than on whether a box or papers happen to be present.

Many vintage watches have lost their packaging over time, and we do not believe in inflating prices with non-original extras.

If a watch does include genuine box and papers, this will always be clearly noted in the description.

All purchases are supplied with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.

Why Buy This Watch

For me, one of the most enjoyable aspects of collecting vintage Rolex watches is discovering the pieces that came before the models everybody recognises today.

When most people think of Rolex, they picture a Submariner, a Datejust or perhaps a GMT-Master. Yet there is an entire world of earlier Rolex watches that helped establish the foundations of the brand.

This 1944 Rolex Oyster Ref. 4499 is a wonderful example.

There is something rather appealing about its simplicity. A stainless steel case, a manually wound movement, an attractive dial and a small seconds register. Nothing unnecessary, just traditional watchmaking and thoughtful design.

The dial is what really makes this example special. The mixture of printed Roman numerals and baton markers is already an attractive combination, but the way the original radium luminous material has aged gives this watch its own individual identity.

It has taken more than eight decades to develop this appearance, and no two examples will age in quite the same way.

I also particularly enjoy the 34mm case. While smaller than many contemporary watches, these proportions are exactly what makes vintage dress watches so charming. The watch sits neatly on the wrist, with beautifully tapered lugs and a slim bezel creating an elegant overall profile.

This is not a watch you purchase because it looks like a modern Rolex. Quite the opposite.

It is a watch for someone who appreciates the history behind the name, the craftsmanship of early mechanical wristwatches and the individuality that comes with owning something genuinely old.

Whether you are beginning a collection of vintage Rolex watches or already own several of the brand's more familiar references, this Oyster 4499 offers something refreshingly different.

A charming piece of Rolex history, dating back to 1944, with plenty of stories left to tell.

Every watch we sell is fully inspected to meet our exacting standards. We stand by the quality of our stock, which is why every purchase comes with a 12-month warranty as standard.