Rolex Precision 3003 and 3004

Precision › 3003 · 3004

Rolex’s 1937 timeline groups references 3003 and 3004 as the first Oyster Precision pair. Both are manual-wind watches, but two examples catalogued by Antiquorum show different cases and seconds layouts: a 27mm steel-and-pink-gold 3003 with centre seconds, and a 30mm steel 3004 with subsidiary seconds. Those are documented examples, not a complete specification for either reference.

Core facts

detail	documented information
references	3003 and 3004; grouped in the 1937 launch entry
family	Rolex Oyster Precision, manual wind
production	Launch listed in 1937; end date not established
3003 case example	27mm, stainless steel and pink gold, hooded lugs; Antiquorum lot 163
3004 case example	30mm stainless steel case with cylindrical lugs; Antiquorum lot 164
movement examples	Both lots describe manual lever movements with Superbalance and Breguet balance springs; 15 jewels in the 3003, 17 in the 3004
movement size in catalogues	10 lines in both lot descriptions; no caliber number given
seconds	Centre seconds on the 3003 lot; subsidiary seconds on the 3004 lot
dial examples	Matte silver; painted Arabic numerals. The 3003 lot describes a two-tone dial
contemporary reference	3642 Centergraph, listed in the same 1937 timeline entry

Where the pair sits

Colin A. White’s *The Vintage Rolex Field Manual* places the launch of refs. 3003 and 3004 in the same 1937 timeline entry. Both carry the Precision name; the manual treats them as a pair. The entry also lists the 3642 Centergraph, a chronograph from a separate line.

The word “Precision” does not by itself identify a caliber or a particular case. The two auction descriptions give different dimensions, case metals, seconds layouts and jewel counts. Do not use one watch as a template for every 3003 or 3004.

Movement notes

Antiquorum described the 3003 movement as 10 lines and 15 jewels, and the 3004 as 10 lines and 17 jewels. Both entries specify a lever escapement, Superbalance and self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Neither lot description gives a caliber number.

The movement guide describes Rolex’s 10½-line Hunter family and later calibers 700 and 710. That family-level description does not identify the movements in these two watches: the Antiquorum lots give 10 lines and name no caliber. Use a movement number or clear photograph before assigning a caliber to an individual example.

Case and dial examples

The Antiquorum 3003 is a 27mm bicolour case with pink-gold hooded lugs. Its matte silver dial has painted Arabic numerals, and the hands are described as gold “Alpha” hands. The catalogue calls it a centre-seconds watch.

The 3004 lot is a 30mm stainless-steel watch with polished, satin-finished cylindrical lugs. Its matte silver dial has painted Arabic numerals and a subsidiary-seconds dial; the hands are described as blued-steel batons. This differs from the 3003 example in both case and display.

The catalogues identify each watch as an Oyster Precision, but do not transcribe all dial printing. The dial name alone does not distinguish the case reference. Check the case markings and compare the movement and dial together. The Oyster construction and screw-down crown belong to the broader case design; do not infer dimensions or metal from that shared name.

Dating and identification

The Field Manual lists the pair’s launch in 1937. Antiquorum’s 3004 lot title says “made in 144 pieces in 1937.” Treat that as the auction catalogue’s claim; the source does not establish a factory total. Neither catalogue entry provides a case serial, so the lots cannot establish a serial range or the end of production.

For an individual watch, compare its case markings, movement and dial with documented examples. A precious-metal case may also carry assay marks that help date the case; the assay date is not necessarily the assembly or sale date. See Serial numbers by year for early-case dating limits and hallmark guidance.

Auction record

Antiquorum’s 1989 catalogue photograph of ref. 3003

Antiquorum catalogued both references at its Tokyo sale on 15 December 1989. The descriptions below record what the auction house reported about those individual watches.

lot	catalogue description	result
163, ref. 3003	1930s; stainless steel and pink gold; 27mm; centre seconds; 10-line, 15-jewel movement	Sold for JPY 358,250
164, ref. 3004	Described as made in 144 pieces in 1937; stainless steel; 30mm; subsidiary seconds; 10-line, 17-jewel movement	Sold for JPY 556,250

Related references

Precision 3004 — redirects here; this article covers both references
Precision family guide
Speedking 4220 — a later manual-wind Oyster Precision
Movement reference
Serial numbers by year