A rare and distinctive antique Rolex wristwatch featuring an elegant rectangular tank-style case and an unusual original black exploded dial. This exceptional timepiece showcases the bold design and craftsmanship of early 20th-century Swiss watchmaking, making it an attractive addition to any collection of vintage Rolex watches.
The watch features a striking black exploded dial with oversized, stylized white Arabic numerals arranged in a distinctive artistic layout. The original Rolex signature appears at the centre of the dial, complemented by a small subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o’clock. The contrasting white hands and unusual numeral arrangement give this dial its unique and recognizable vintage character.
Case
Original rectangular tank-style Rolex case, Art Deco circa 1930s.
Case dimensions: 19.5 mm × 29 mm, excluding the winding crown and lugs.
Lug width: 12 mm.
Stainless steel case back stamped RWC Ltd, STAINLESS STEEL, and SWISS MADE.
Case number: 5299.
Original-style winding crown.
Distinctive stepped case construction with elegant wire-style lugs.
Mineral crystal, size 20.7 mmx 16.5 mm
Authentic vintage components with visible signs of age and wear consistent with the watch's history.
Dial
Original black exploded dial.
Large, stylized white Arabic numerals.
Rolex signature on the dial.
Small subsidiary seconds register at 6 o’clock.
Contrasting white hour and minute hands.
Unusual vintage design that gives the watch its distinctive appearance.
Movement
Mechanical hand-wound Rolex movement.
15 jewels.
Breguet spiral (Breguet overcoil).
Ancre lever escapement.
Serviced by a skilled watchmaker;
24 hours power reserve;
Comes with a one-year warranty.
The movement showcases traditional Swiss watchmaking construction, combining classic mechanical engineering with the precision and elegance characteristic of early vintage wristwatches.
Overall Condition
An attractive and distinctive antique Rolex wristwatch featuring a rectangular tank-style case, an unusual black exploded dial, and a traditional hand-wound mechanical movement. The watch displays signs of age and use consistent with its vintage character.
This rare timepiece is an excellent choice for collectors of early Rolex watches, unusual dial designs, and historically significant Swiss wristwatches.
A distinctive vintage Rolex with an artistic exploded dial, classic rectangular proportions, and a serviced 15-jewel mechanical movement, offered with a one-year warranty