Vintage Rolex Oyster Cushion Reference 122460 (VWC Co.)
Early Tool Watch / Dress Watch · Rolex (manufactured under V.W.C.Co - Village Watch Case Co/Rolex Watch Company)
Period: Art Deco / Early Oyster Era (Late 1920s)
Type
Early Tool Watch / Dress Watch
Brand
Rolex (manufactured under V.W.C.Co - Village Watch Case Co/Rolex Watch Company)
Movement
Manual winding, likely a 10.5 ligne Aegler Hunter movement (signed Rolex)
Dimensions
32mm x 32mm approx. (cushion shape), 10mm thickness, 16mm-18mm lug width
Description
An incredibly rare and early example of the Rolex Oyster case. The cushion-shaped silver case represents Hans Wilsdorf's early push into waterproof watchmaking. The interior caseback is beautifully decorated with perlage and bears the V.W.C.Co stamp, which was a hallmark used by Rolex specifically for imported cases in the early 20th century.
Key Features
V.W.C.Co hallmark, 925 sterling silver purity mark, London Import 'G' mark, early 6-digit serial number, and perlage finishing
Dial Description
Likely white enamel or silvered metal with exploding Arabic numerals and cathedral or blued steel baton hands
Case Material
925 Sterling Silver with perlage (circular graining) finishing on the interior
Crystal Type
Acrylic/Plexiglass or original mineral glass crystal
Bezel Details
Fixed coin-edge or smooth screw-down bezel for water resistance
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down 'Oyster' crown, often featuring 'Rolex Oyster' or cross-hatch patent markings
Bracelet or Strap
Likely originally on a leather strap or fixed lug wire lugs; often seen with a period-correct Bonklip or leather trench-style strap
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down caseback featuring V.W.C.Co (Village Watch Case Co) stamp, 925 silver hallmarks, 'G' London import mark for 1922, and serial 122460
Movement Type
Manual winding, likely a 10.5 ligne Aegler Hunter movement (signed Rolex)
Water Resistance
Non-existent by modern standards; originally rated as waterproof/dustproof but now strictly a dry-only vintage piece
Origin & Provenance
Switzerland (Movement), Case hallmarked in London, UK (Imported)
Age Estimate
Circa 1922 (based on London import letter 'G')
Cultural Significance
This watch predates the famous Mercedes Gleitze swim but represents the technical foundation of the Oyster case that changed watchmaking history
Condition Notes
Very Good for its age; visible circular graining is well-preserved, hallmarks and serial numbers remain sharp and legible without excessive polishing wear
Value Estimate
$3,000 - $6,500 USD depending on the condition and originality of the dial and movement
Care & Maintenance
Sterling silver tarnishes naturally; avoid water despite the 'Oyster' name as 100-year-old gaskets are likely failed. Service every 5-7 years by a vintage specialist
Similar Watches
Rolex Oyster Ref. 602, early Rolex Viceroy, or early Hermetic watches by Zenith
Interesting Facts
The V.W.C.Co stamp (Village Watch Case Company) was used by Rolex because of high UK import duties on finished watches; they imported movements/cases separately to manage taxes