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This 1940s Rolex Oyster Chronograph is a historically important model for the Genevan Giant.The reference 3525 Rolex chronograph was introduced in 1938. Rolex had been making chronographs at least a few years prior to that. The 3525, however, was the first to be housed in an Oyster case, featuring a water resistant screwdown caseback and a water resistant screw down crown. This was an important development, as it signalled the shift from the fragile dressy chronographs of old towards the reliable and sporty sensibilities that would later be perfected with the Daytona line. The ref. 3525 was, in fact, such a reliable watch that it was frequently supplied by Rolex to detained British army officers in German prisoner of war camps during World War II.The 3525 was in production for less than ten years. This watch is a late production example, dating back to 1946, that still features the original ‘brevet’ crown and pump pushers. The 36 mm stainless steel case is in exceptional condition, being as close to perfect as a watch of this age can get. The watch features a lovely untouched silver dial with a blue printed tachymeter scale, black printed minute track, and creamy radium lume. The watch comes with a rare period-correct unsigned Gay Frères beads of rice bracelet with straight end links.