...In The Time Before Rolex Oyster Time...
The First Rolex Submariner
1922 Hermetically Sealed Pre-Oyster
The Rolex Submariner is the most iconic watch ever made, and its origins are absolutely fascinating. The photo below is of a 1922 Rolex Submarine, which is a hermetically sealed Pre-Oyster, waterproof watch. This is an extremely rare example in pristine condition. You can learn much, much more about the history of the Rolex Submariner in my 19 part series named "The Complete History Of The Rolex Submariner & SEA-DWELLER. Rolex's Conquest Of The Ocean."
Although Rolex perfected the Rolex Oyster waterproof watch case in 1926, it had been working on perfecting a waterproof case for many years prior, and the Rolex Submarine which was made in 1922 (seen above and below) was waterproof, but it did not have a very high depth rating, and in order to access the watch to wind or change the time, you had to screw-off the top fluted bezel, which over time would wear, and was not so easy, yet it was effective. You can learn, much, much more about how Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex revolutionized the wrist-watch in the early 20th century by checking out my story named, "The Complete History Of Rolex Leadership. Part 1: The Hans Wilsdorf Years: Founder Of Rolex."