Reference:4220 - Revision history

Klaudiusz: Deep correctness and anti-slop audit: qualify 4220 dial and movement claims, remove market language, fix image placement and add footer gallery

2026-09-29T02:57:39Z

Deep correctness and anti-slop audit: qualify 4220 dial and movement claims, remove market language, fix image placement and add footer gallery

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:57, 29 September 2026
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	{{#seo:		{{#seo:
	\|title=Rolex Oyster Perpetual 4220 — Production, Dials & Serial Ranges \| Rolexopedia		\|title=Rolex Oyster Perpetual 4220 — Production, Dials & Serial Ranges \| Rolexopedia
	\|description=The 4220 is ~~the Speedking~~-~~line~~ reference ~~most closely associated~~ with ~~the defining 1940s Rolex look: a 30mm stainless steel Oyster~~, ~~a California…~~		\|description=The 4220 is a small manual-wind Oyster reference documented with Speedking, Royal, Royalite, California, sector, and silvered dials. Case size, movement description, and dial originality vary by surviving example.
	\|keywords=Rolex, 4220, Oyster, specifications, reference guide		\|keywords=Rolex, 4220, Oyster, specifications, reference guide
	\|image=Ref 4220 hero.webp		\|image=Ref 4220 hero.webp
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	“Speedking” is a model name used on some Oyster Precision dials. The 4220 is also documented with other dial names, including Royal and Royalite. Centre seconds, dial text, case, and movement should be checked together; the dial name alone is not a complete identification test.		“Speedking” is a model name used on some Oyster Precision dials. The 4220 is also documented with other dial names, including Royal and Royalite. Centre seconds, dial text, case, and movement should be checked together; the dial name alone is not a complete identification test.

	Reference 4270 is a separate gold-cased reference often grouped with the Speedking line. It should not be counted as a 4220~~, and~~ the sources checked here do not establish mechanical identity ~~or a fixed price difference~~.		Reference 4270 is a separate gold-cased reference often grouped with the Speedking line. It should not be counted as a 4220; the sources checked here do not establish mechanical identity.

	The Precision line included manual-wind Oysters alongside the automatic Bubbleback range. The sources checked here do not establish a complete buyer profile ~~or pricing strategy~~ for the line. The Bubbleback carried the Perpetual rotor and ~~the~~ dome caseback; the Precision stayed manual-wind and flat. Within that line the 4220 is the centre-seconds variant, ~~sitting~~ alongside ~~the~~ sub-seconds Imperial and Royalite dials ~~and below~~ the gold-cased 4270.		The Precision line included manual-wind Oysters alongside the automatic Bubbleback range. The sources checked here do not establish a complete buyer profile for the line. The Bubbleback carried the Perpetual rotor and dome caseback; the Precision stayed manual-wind and flat. Within that line the 4220 is the centre-seconds variant, alongside sub-seconds Imperial and Royalite dials, while the gold-cased 4270 is a separate reference.

	The cited 4220 records show smooth bezels. An engine-turned bezel should be checked against the individual case and reference documentation before calling it a modification or re-case.		The cited 4220 records show smooth bezels. An engine-turned bezel should be checked against the individual case and reference documentation before calling it a modification or re-case.
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	<span id="case-and-construction"></span>		<span id="case-and-construction"></span>
	== Case and construction ==		== Case and construction ==
	~~[[File:Ref 4220 caseback.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Caseback of a Speedking, engraved case number\|Caseback detail]]~~

	The 4220 uses a small screw-back Oyster case with fixed 17 mm lugs, an acrylic crystal, and a smooth bezel. Antiquorum’s circa-1940 example measures 30 mm wide and 11 mm thick. “Dress-watch” and “tool-watch” are collector descriptions rather than Rolex categories.		The 4220 uses a small screw-back Oyster case with fixed 17 mm lugs, an acrylic crystal, and a smooth bezel. Antiquorum’s circa-1940 example measures 30 mm wide and 11 mm thick. “Dress-watch” and “tool-watch” are collector descriptions rather than Rolex categories.

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	The caseback carries the period Oyster signatures. Reference number stamped inside, case serial on the lug underside, and the standard "ROLEX OYSTER" exterior engraving of the 1940s Oyster. There is no depth rating on the caseback; the 4220 pre-dates the depth-rating convention that arrives with the sport references of the 1950s.		The caseback carries the period Oyster signatures. Reference number stamped inside, case serial on the lug underside, and the standard "ROLEX OYSTER" exterior engraving of the 1940s Oyster. There is no depth rating on the caseback; the 4220 pre-dates the depth-rating convention that arrives with the sport references of the 1950s.

			[[File:Ref 4220 caseback.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Caseback of a Speedking, engraved case number\|Caseback detail]]


	<span id="multiple-calibers-across-the-run"></span>		<span id="multiple-calibers-across-the-run"></span>
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	The cited records use more than one movement description for 4220 examples. The article does not treat that as proof of a factory-wide caliber sequence.		The cited records use more than one movement description for 4220 examples. The article does not treat that as proof of a factory-wide caliber sequence.

	Antiquorum’s circa-1940 lot identifies a 10½ H, 17-jewel movement with a Superbalance and Breguet spring. Other movement descriptions should be checked against the watch. A Kew or other observatory record is provenance for that movement and watch; the ~~available evidence here does not establish a fixed price effect~~.		Antiquorum’s circa-1940 lot identifies a 10½ H, 17-jewel movement with a Superbalance and Breguet spring. Other movement descriptions should be checked against the watch. A Kew or other observatory record is provenance for that movement and watch; its significance should be assessed with the individual record.

	Some listings use a 9¾-line description. The checked sources do not establish whether this is a catalogue convention, a different movement, or a service substitution; inspect the movement markings.		Some listings use a 9¾-line description. The checked sources do not establish whether this is a catalogue convention, a different movement, or a service substitution; inspect the movement markings.
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	Some dealer records describe Cal. 710 movements with 15 jewels. The checked evidence does not prove that these are service replacements or original production variants; record the movement and any service history separately.		Some dealer records describe Cal. 710 movements with 15 jewels. The checked evidence does not prove that these are service replacements or original production variants; record the movement and any service history separately.

	For a 4220 review, identify the movement number, jewel count, signatures, and any service or observatory record. Do not infer originality ~~or price~~ from the calibre label alone.		For a 4220 review, identify the movement number, jewel count, signatures, and any service or observatory record. Do not infer originality from the calibre label alone.

	<span id="dial-variants"></span>		<span id="dial-variants"></span>
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	Documented 4220 dials include mixed Roman-and-Arabic, Arabic, sector, gilt, and silvered layouts. Colours and luminous treatments vary between examples; this is not a complete factory variant list.		Documented 4220 dials include mixed Roman-and-Arabic, Arabic, sector, gilt, and silvered layouts. Colours and luminous treatments vary between examples; this is not a complete factory variant list.

	~~Dial text across all variants reads~~ "ROLEX / OYSTER / SPEEDKING / PRECISION" in four lines, typically with "ROLEX" at twelve, the "Speedking" line centered, and "PRECISION" ~~at the base~~ above ~~the~~ six. ~~“Speedking” appears on many 4220 dials, but other~~ names are documented under the reference. Case, seconds layout, dial text, and movement should be assessed together.		The cited Speedking examples read "ROLEX / OYSTER / SPEEDKING / PRECISION" in four lines, typically with "ROLEX" at twelve, the "Speedking" line centered, and "PRECISION" above six. Other dial names are documented under the reference, so this layout is not universal. Case, seconds layout, dial text, and movement should be assessed together.

	Hand variants correlate with dial era. Mercedes blued hands with radium plots belong to the California-dial window (1941–1949). Alpha (leaf-shaped) hands replaced Mercedes around 1950 and continued through the late production run. Skeleton/dauphine hands and gilt batons appear on some examples, typically mid-to-late production. Matching ageing can support an originality assessment, but it does not prove that dial and hands are original; mismatched ageing is a reason for closer inspection.		Hand variants correlate with dial era. Mercedes blued hands with radium plots belong to the California-dial window (1941–1949). Alpha (leaf-shaped) hands replaced Mercedes around 1950 and continued through the late production run. Skeleton/dauphine hands and gilt batons appear on some examples, typically mid-to-late production. Matching ageing can support an originality assessment, but it does not prove that dial and hands are original; mismatched ageing is a reason for closer inspection.
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	California dial originality requires comparison of printing, luminous material, hands, surface finish, and provenance. Dealer descriptions often make originality claims, but a single listing is not proof. Matching lume can support an assessment and cannot establish it alone.		California dial originality requires comparison of printing, luminous material, hands, surface finish, and provenance. Dealer descriptions often make originality claims, but a single listing is not proof. Matching lume can support an assessment and cannot establish it alone.

	Two-tone and gold-plated cases. Two-tone SS-with-gold 4220s are documented but less common than plain stainless. Gold-plated variants exist and should be checked for plating wear at the lug tips and caseback edges — heavy wear ~~reduces value sharply~~. Solid-gold claims on a 4220 should be treated skeptically; the solid-gold Speedking sibling is ref 4270, not 4220.		Two-tone and gold-plated cases. Two-tone SS-with-gold 4220s are documented but less common than plain stainless. Gold-plated variants exist and should be checked for plating wear at the lug tips and caseback edges — heavy wear should be recorded as part of the condition assessment. Solid-gold claims on a 4220 should be treated skeptically; the solid-gold Speedking sibling is ref 4270, not 4220.

	~~Price anchoring: use~~ dated auction results and condition-specific dealer records. The available sample is too small and mixed to support a ~~general range or a rule for asking prices~~.		Use dated auction results and condition-specific dealer records when comparing examples. The available sample is too small and mixed to support a reference-wide conclusion.


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	See also the [[Reference:Movements\|movement reference]], [[Reference:Bracelets\|bracelet & clasp guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers\|serial numbers by year]].		See also the [[Reference:Movements\|movement reference]], [[Reference:Bracelets\|bracelet & clasp guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers\|serial numbers by year]].

			<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
			File:Ref 4220 hero.webp\|Rolex Oyster 4220 Speedking, cream dial
			File:Ref 4220 caseback.webp\|4220 caseback detail and serial engraving
			</gallery>

	== Sources ==		== Sources ==
			* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-8/reference-4220-oyster-perpetual-a-stainless-steel Sotheby's, Rolex Reference 4220 Oyster Perpetual, circa 1943]
	* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra		* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra
	* [https://www.bobswatches.com/ Bob's Watches — 4220]		* [https://www.bobswatches.com/ Bob's Watches — 4220]

Klaudiusz: Deep audit: ground 4220 Speedking dial, movement and market claims; fix lead image placement

2026-09-28T04:25:11Z

Deep audit: ground 4220 Speedking dial, movement and market claims; fix lead image placement

Show changes

Admin: Image sourcing: higher-res hero (Squarespace) and new caseback detail (Second Time Around); caption corrected to match actual dial (cream, not sunburst)

2026-09-07T20:48:56Z

Image sourcing: higher-res hero (Squarespace) and new caseback detail (Second Time Around); caption corrected to match actual dial (cream, not sunburst)

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:48, 7 September 2026
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	\|keywords=Rolex, 4220, Oyster, specifications, reference guide		\|keywords=Rolex, 4220, Oyster, specifications, reference guide
	\|image=Ref 4220 hero.webp		\|image=Ref 4220 hero.webp
	\|image_alt=Rolex 4220 Speedking Precision ~~1946 sunburst~~		\|image_alt=Rolex 4220 Speedking Precision, cream dial
	\|type=Article		\|type=Article
	\|og_type=article		\|og_type=article
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	<div class="rp-lead">		<div class="rp-lead">
	[[File:Ref 4220 hero.webp\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=~~1946~~ Speedking Precision, ~~silver sunburst~~ dial\|~~1946~~ Speedking Precision, ~~silver sunburst~~ dial]]		[[File:Ref 4220 hero.webp\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=Speedking Precision, cream dial with black Arabic numerals\|Speedking Precision, cream dial with black Arabic numerals]]
			[[File:Ref 4220 caseback.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Caseback of a Speedking, engraved case number\|Caseback detail]]
	</div>		</div>

Admin: Layout: restore the original lead caption

2026-09-06T23:00:11Z

Layout: restore the original lead caption

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:00, 6 September 2026
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	<div class="rp-lead">		<div class="rp-lead">
	[[File:Ref 4220 hero.webp\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=~~Rolex 4220 Oyster Perpetual~~\|~~Rolex 4220 Oyster Perpetual~~]]		[[File:Ref 4220 hero.webp\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=1946 Speedking Precision, silver sunburst dial\|1946 Speedking Precision, silver sunburst dial]]
	</div>		</div>

Admin: Layout: hero refreshed

2026-09-06T22:54:52Z

Layout: hero refreshed

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:54, 6 September 2026
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	<div class="rp-lead">		<div class="rp-lead">
	[[File:Ref 4220 hero.webp\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=~~1946 Speedking Precision, silver sunburst dial~~\|~~1946 Speedking Precision, silver sunburst dial~~]]		[[File:Ref 4220 hero.webp\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=Rolex 4220 Oyster Perpetual\|Rolex 4220 Oyster Perpetual]]
	</div>		</div>

Admin: Layout: hero promoted to lead

2026-09-06T22:30:05Z

Layout: hero promoted to lead

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:30, 6 September 2026
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	<small>Oyster → '''4220'''</small>		<small>Oyster → '''4220'''</small>
	[[File:Ref 4220 hero.webp\|thumb\|~~right~~\|~~250px~~\|alt=~~Rolex 4220~~ Speedking Precision ~~1946~~ sunburst\|1946 Speedking Precision, silver sunburst dial]]
			<div class="rp-lead">
			[[File:Ref 4220 hero.webp\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=1946 Speedking Precision, silver sunburst dial\|1946 Speedking Precision, silver sunburst dial]]
			</div>

	The 4220 is the centre-seconds Speedking of the 1940s: a 30mm stainless steel Oyster, Mercedes hands at the centre, and on its first-half dials a California "Error-Proof" layout, Roman numerals across the upper half and Arabics across the lower. The California was a Rolex patent, filed 30 May 1941 and granted 15 June 1942. The 4220 arrived alongside it. Bubbleback ref 3595 carries the same dial on the Perpetual side; the 4220 is the Precision-line counterpart and, for most 1940s-oriented collectors, the reference the Speedking name points at first.		The 4220 is the centre-seconds Speedking of the 1940s: a 30mm stainless steel Oyster, Mercedes hands at the centre, and on its first-half dials a California "Error-Proof" layout, Roman numerals across the upper half and Arabics across the lower. The California was a Rolex patent, filed 30 May 1941 and granted 15 June 1942. The 4220 arrived alongside it. Bubbleback ref 3595 carries the same dial on the Perpetual side; the 4220 is the Precision-line counterpart and, for most 1940s-oriented collectors, the reference the Speedking name points at first.

Admin: site-wide: layout classes (core-facts card, breadcrumb, entry-point cards)

2026-09-05T01:21:32Z

site-wide: layout classes (core-facts card, breadcrumb, entry-point cards)

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:21, 5 September 2026
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	== Core facts ==		== Core facts ==

	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable rp-facts"
	\|-		\|-
	! detail		! detail

Admin: site-wide: domain move BezelBase → Rolexopedia (rolexopedia.net)

2026-09-05T00:37:39Z

site-wide: domain move BezelBase → Rolexopedia (rolexopedia.net)

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:37, 5 September 2026
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	{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex 4220 Oyster Perpetual}}		{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex 4220 Oyster Perpetual}}
	{{#seo:		{{#seo:
	\|title=Rolex Oyster Perpetual 4220 — Production, Dials & Serial Ranges \| ~~BezelBase~~		\|title=Rolex Oyster Perpetual 4220 — Production, Dials & Serial Ranges \| Rolexopedia
	\|description=The 4220 is the Speedking-line reference most closely associated with the defining 1940s Rolex look: a 30mm stainless steel Oyster, a California…		\|description=The 4220 is the Speedking-line reference most closely associated with the defining 1940s Rolex look: a 30mm stainless steel Oyster, a California…
	\|keywords=Rolex, 4220, Oyster, specifications, reference guide		\|keywords=Rolex, 4220, Oyster, specifications, reference guide

Admin: Fix ligne-mark bold bug on 8 caliber mentions (ASCII apostrophes -> U+2032 primes)

2026-08-08T18:02:10Z

Fix ligne-mark bold bug on 8 caliber mentions (ASCII apostrophes -> U+2032 primes)

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:02, 8 August 2026
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	\|-		\|-
	\| movement		\| movement
	\| Cal. ~~10½'''~~ H (Hunter), 17 jewels, most-cited; also Cal. ~~9¾'''~~ 17j and Cal. 710 15j documented		\| Cal. 10½′′′ H (Hunter), 17 jewels, most-cited; also Cal. 9¾′′′ 17j and Cal. 710 15j documented
	\|-		\|-
	\| balance		\| balance
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	Three movement specifications appear across documented 4220 examples; Rolex did not run a single caliber the length of the production window.		Three movement specifications appear across documented 4220 examples; Rolex did not run a single caliber the length of the production window.

	Cal. ~~10½'''~~ H (Hunter), 17 jewels is the most commonly cited. Straight-line lever escapement, rhodium-plated, Rolex Patent Superbalance (a two-arm monometallic balance with adjustable mean-timing screws), blued Breguet overcoil hairspring, 18,000 bph. This is the Hunter architecture Rolex ran across its 1940s manual Precision movements, derived from the pre-war 10-ligne base. Adjusted in multiple positions and temperatures; Kew Observatory A-certified examples appear in the auction record and carry a substantial premium.		Cal. 10½′′′ H (Hunter), 17 jewels is the most commonly cited. Straight-line lever escapement, rhodium-plated, Rolex Patent Superbalance (a two-arm monometallic balance with adjustable mean-timing screws), blued Breguet overcoil hairspring, 18,000 bph. This is the Hunter architecture Rolex ran across its 1940s manual Precision movements, derived from the pre-war 10-ligne base. Adjusted in multiple positions and temperatures; Kew Observatory A-certified examples appear in the auction record and carry a substantial premium.

	Cal. ~~9¾'''~~, 17 jewels. Antiquorum cataloging on some 4220 lots lists a 9¾-ligne movement rather than the 10½-ligne Hunter. The 9¾ designation reflects a different ligne sizing on what is functionally the same Hunter-family architecture; both are small Aegler-supplied Rolex manual movements of the same period. Whether the 9¾ attribution is a cataloging convention difference or reflects genuine caliber variation across the run is not clearly resolved in the sources. Either reading is defensible.		Cal. 9¾′′′, 17 jewels. Antiquorum cataloging on some 4220 lots lists a 9¾-ligne movement rather than the 10½-ligne Hunter. The 9¾ designation reflects a different ligne sizing on what is functionally the same Hunter-family architecture; both are small Aegler-supplied Rolex manual movements of the same period. Whether the 9¾ attribution is a cataloging convention difference or reflects genuine caliber variation across the run is not clearly resolved in the sources. Either reading is defensible.

	Cal. 710, 15 jewels. A small number of surviving 4220s carry a Cal. 710, a 15-jewel manual-wind movement that sits outside the Hunter-series architecture. The consensus in the dealer record is that Cal. 710 examples likely reflect service-era replacements rather than original-issue movements: a 4220 that went in for repair at a period when the original Hunter movement was unserviceable and came back with a Cal. 710 donor. The reading is not proven, but the jewel count drop (15 vs. 17) and the architectural difference point toward replacement rather than production variation.		Cal. 710, 15 jewels. A small number of surviving 4220s carry a Cal. 710, a 15-jewel manual-wind movement that sits outside the Hunter-series architecture. The consensus in the dealer record is that Cal. 710 examples likely reflect service-era replacements rather than original-issue movements: a 4220 that went in for repair at a period when the original Hunter movement was unserviceable and came back with a Cal. 710 donor. The reading is not proven, but the jewel count drop (15 vs. 17) and the architectural difference point toward replacement rather than production variation.

	The working position for a 4220 buyer is straightforward. The most period-correct movement is a 17-jewel Hunter, whether catalogued as Cal. ~~10½'''~~ or ~~9¾'''~~. A Cal. 710 is worth a service record to understand. A Kew A-certified Hunter is a premium find and should be priced as one.		The working position for a 4220 buyer is straightforward. The most period-correct movement is a 17-jewel Hunter, whether catalogued as Cal. 10½′′′ or 9¾′′′. A Cal. 710 is worth a service record to understand. A Kew A-certified Hunter is a premium find and should be priced as one.

	<span id="dial-variants"></span>		<span id="dial-variants"></span>
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	Dial and hands as an era marker. The first authentication step on any 4220 is matching dial configuration to hand configuration. California dial with Mercedes hands fits the 1941–1949 window. Arabic, sector, or gilt dial with alpha hands fits the 1950s. California dial with alpha hands, or Arabic dial with Mercedes hands, is a mismatch, either a service-era combination or a cobbled-together watch. Period-correct does not require matching serials between movement and case (Rolex did not run matching serials in this period), but it does require dial-and-hand era coherence.		Dial and hands as an era marker. The first authentication step on any 4220 is matching dial configuration to hand configuration. California dial with Mercedes hands fits the 1941–1949 window. Arabic, sector, or gilt dial with alpha hands fits the 1950s. California dial with alpha hands, or Arabic dial with Mercedes hands, is a mismatch, either a service-era combination or a cobbled-together watch. Period-correct does not require matching serials between movement and case (Rolex did not run matching serials in this period), but it does require dial-and-hand era coherence.

	Movement-caliber verification. Open the caseback, find the caliber engraving. A 17-jewel Hunter (Cal. ~~10½'''~~ H or ~~9¾'''~~) is the period-correct answer. A 15-jewel Cal. 710 is most likely a service replacement and should be priced as such. A movement without the Rolex wordmark, or without the Superbalance designation, is out of period.		Movement-caliber verification. Open the caseback, find the caliber engraving. A 17-jewel Hunter (Cal. 10½′′′ H or 9¾′′′) is the period-correct answer. A 15-jewel Cal. 710 is most likely a service replacement and should be priced as such. A movement without the Rolex wordmark, or without the Superbalance designation, is out of period.

	Case measurement. Thirty millimeters across the mid-case is the working figure. If the dealer listing says 29mm or 28mm, ask which axis. A case genuinely below 30mm by more than a millimeter is more likely a different Precision reference than a small 4220.		Case measurement. Thirty millimeters across the mid-case is the working figure. If the dealer listing says 29mm or 28mm, ask which axis. A case genuinely below 30mm by more than a millimeter is more likely a different Precision reference than a small 4220.

Admin: SEO: clickable title + og:image + timestamps

2026-08-04T00:20:49Z

SEO: clickable title + og:image + timestamps

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:20, 4 August 2026
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	\|og_type=article		\|og_type=article
	\|published_time=2026-04-17T22:13:58Z		\|published_time=2026-04-17T22:13:58Z
	\|modified_time=2026-07-~~18T12~~:52:~~41Z~~		\|modified_time=2026-08-04T00:12:19Z
	\|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large		\|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
	}}		}}