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 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
Sources
- Colin A. White, *The Vintage Rolex Field Manual*, 1937 timeline entry
- Antiquorum, Tokyo, 15 December 1989, lot 163, ref. 3003
- Antiquorum, Tokyo, 15 December 1989, lot 164, ref. 3004
- David Boettcher, “Rolex Oyster Case”
- David Boettcher, “Rolex Prima, Extra and Ultra Prima”
- Rolexopedia, Reference:Movements
- Rolexopedia, Reference:Serial-numbers