Rolex 1937 "Non-Oyster" Chronographs Vintage

quattro · 2025-06-01T06:08:26Z

Explore the rare 1937 Rolex 'Non-Oyster' Chronographs, including references 2916, 2917, 2918, 2919, 2020, and 2937. Discover their Art Deco design, Valjoux 23 movement, and unique hooded lugs.

Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, presents an exceptional visual guide to the often-overlooked 1937 Rolex 'Non-Oyster' Chronographs. His detailed post highlights the distinctive Art Deco design and shared technical specifications across six rare references, offering a crucial resource for collectors interested in early Rolex chronographs that predate the iconic Oyster case. This article serves as an invaluable entry point into a niche area of vintage Rolex collecting, showcasing models with unique aesthetic appeal and historical significance.

It's a series of 6 references sharing the same Art Deco design and expressive lug shape: ref. 2916, 2917, 2918, 2919, 2020 & 2937.

They also share the same movement type (13''', based on Valjoux 23) and approximate case size (33 x 11mm).

If you want more detail, an in-depth article by Marcus Siems can be found here.

Best, Emmanuel

A/ Ref. 2916 (single-hooded lugs)

credit: Amsterdam Vintage Watches

credit: @wirelugs (1) & @vintage_swissmade

credit: Antiquorum January 2021 & April 2021

B/ Ref. 2917 (double-hooded lugs)

credit: @lepassionneur (1), @bernardinimilano (2) & Bonhams

credit: Sotheby’s (1) & Antiquorum (photo 2 & photo 3)

C/ Ref. 2918 (hinged lugs)

credit: Phillips (1-3), Sotheby’s (4) & Antiquorum (photo 5 & photo 6)

D/ Ref. 2919 (half-hooded lugs)

credit: @nelvin.watches (1-2) & Antiquorum (photo 3 & photo 4)

E/ Ref. 2920 (hinged faceted lugs) NB: the first example below, with two-tone salmon/blue dial, is presented as a ref. 2918, but the lugs seem to me to belong to the ref. 2920

credit: @wristking_1 (1-2) & @bandb_vintagewatches (3-5)

credit: Bonhams (photo 1 & photo 2), @vintage_chronograph (3-11) & Watch Guru

F/ Ref. 2937 (slim hinged lugs)

credit: Invaluable (example 1 & example 2)

BONUS: THE COMPLETE SERIES

credit: Goldammer

Key Points from the Discussion

The black dial Ref. 2918 is particularly striking and appears to be in pristine condition, prompting discussion about its aesthetic appeal and the potential for alternative strap pairings like a mesh or Milanese bracelet.
The Ref. 2918 mentioned by Vetnov sold for CHF 48,260, indicating a significant market value for these 'under the radar' vintage Rolex chronographs. The original author expresses a personal preference for leather straps over bracelets for these models.

The Discussion

Vetnov

Jun 1, 2025

I really like the black dial 2918 above. It looks pristine. I think I’ve read that some people don’t like the gap between the strap and the case, but I think it looks fine in these examples. I was imagining a mesh or Milanese bracelet instead of a leather strap. I wonder if that would look good.

quattro

Jun 1, 2025

And it sold for CHF48,260, which is quite a lot for such a watch flying very much under the radar. I'm not sure about a bracelet, but it may be just because I like the leather strap! Best, Emmanuel

quattro

Jun 1, 2025

The first example is particularly attractive. Thanks for looking. Best, Emmanuel

Rolex 1937 "Non-Oyster" Chronographs Vintage

Key Points from the Discussion

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