The First Rolex Submariner 1922 Hermetically Sealed Pre-Oyster

...In The Time Before Rolex Oyster Time...

The First Rolex Submariner

1922 Hermetically Sealed Pre-Oyster

One of the most captivating chapters in Rolex history, in my opinion, is the birth of the Rolex Oyster. I have an intriguing new discovery to share with you. Our remarkable Horological Historian and Researcher, Nick Gould, recently unearthed a warning from Rolex Founder, Hans Wilsdorf. This warning was originally published on December 7, 1927 in the French Horological Journal, just after Rolex officially launched the Rolex Oyster wristwatch. While the Rolex Oyster was not the first attempt at successfully creating a waterproof wristwatch, it's arguably the most successful attempt, and the one that has endured the most.

Below is the translation form French to English:

WARNING

Hans Wilsdorf, General Director of Rolex Watch Co. Ltd., Geneva, informs watch case manufacturers and watchmakers that he is the owner of patents Nos. 114.948, 120.848, 120.851 relating to a screw crown device and hermetically sealed screw cases.

He is also the owner of models of cases of this shape, registered under No. 41.351.

The undersigned warns watch manufacturers, case manufacturers, and the public in general against any imitation or counterfeit of the said patents and registered models.

The undersigned informs the watchmaking public that he is the owner of the trademarks “Oyster”, “Aqua” and “Submarine” as well as their translations in all languages.

He has the exclusive right to use the said trademarks for all articles of horology and jewelry.

The undersigned will take legal action against any counterfeiter and imitator for cancellation of any deposit or patent for similar articles, without prejudice to all damages, interest, and any action for unfair competition.

Geneva, December 7, 1927.

Hans Wilsdorf.

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, and Rolex Founder, Hans Wilsdorf specifically mentioned its trademarked name of "SUBMARINE" in the 1927 notice seen above.

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. 

Below we see the actual trademark registration certificate that shows Hans Wilsdorf filed it on March 31, of 1922, which was 104 years ago...

We also see a public registration notification that was published in a trademark journal in 1922, which features Rolex's "THE SUBMARINE".

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."