Pegged as one of the most innovative and historical updates to the wristwatch, the Rolex Oyster case has enjoyed its day in the sun and for good reason. In this in-depth article courtesy of our colleagues at WatchTime India, we take you through the different parts of this piece of horological history and help you understand it better.

When it comes to understanding why Rolex demands the kind of respect it does, one has to keep in mind the history and expert craftsmanship it has showcased during its many years of existence. From the many successful innovations and creations it has offered to the watch industry, the most noteworthy of them all is the Rolex Oyster case. 

Developed in 1926, the Rolex Oyster (as it was named by the brand then), was the world’s first workable waterproof and dust-proof watch case that revolutionized the watch industry in more ways than one. It not only secured the transformation of the wristwatch from a delicate female watch to a sturdy men’s accessory but also effectively became a symbol of robustness and waterproofness. This feature of the Rolex Oyster case has stood the test of time, so much so that most of the watches that come out of the Rolex manufacture have ?Oyster? written on the dial.
Rolex Oyster, Ref. 679, 1926

A major milestone not just for the brand but also watchmaking as a whole, the Rolex Oyster combines a hermetically sealed case, winding crown, cyclops lens, fixed or rotatable fluted bezel, a hel...