Setting the Bar

This week in California a Rolex became an auction highlight, as a Rolex Men`s 1985 Stainless Steel and Gold Watch part of the Oyster Perpetual Date (Model No. 15053), stole the show.

This impressive timepiece`s estimated value of $3,225-$4,300 retained all of its original parts including its face, band and dial. This watch became an instant classic 27 years ago; it features a champagne-colored dial, as well as a combination of yellow gold and stainless steel for the band as well as 18K yellow gold index markers.

Many ask ``But what is the Oyster, and why is it so significant to watch collectors?`` The Oyster was the first wristwatch to provide a successful waterproof casing, which was patented by Rolex in 1926. In the mid 1920`s creating anything that was waterproof or dustproof was nothing short of a miracle, a technical challenge that was no easy feat to accomplish, but the pioneering and ingenious founder of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf, managed to create a watch that has truly stood the test of time.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date collection enabled the Rolex Company to raise the bar--standards that watchmakers today still strive for.