Oyster Chronograph ref 3525

3525

Prisoner of war

The Story of the Rolex 3525

“Prisoner of War”

The Rolex 3525 is much more than a vintage chronograph: it is a symbol of trust, resilience, and human ingenuity. Produced in the 1940s, this Oyster Chronograph became the centerpiece of one of the most extraordinary initiatives in watchmaking history during World War II.

Hans Wilsdorf, founder of Rolex, carried out a rare act of humanity: he offered Allied prisoners of war the chance to receive a Rolex watch without any upfront payment. Officers could write directly to Rolex headquarters in Switzerland, request a watch, and have it delivered to their prison camp. Payment would be made only after the war had ended.

This initiative was not just an act of trust, but also a way to restore dignity and hope to men deprived of their freedom.

The 3525 model, equipped with the Valjoux 23 movement and a monobloc Oyster case, was robust, precise, and reliable. In the context of war, the chronograph was more than just an accessory: it was used to measure time, plan escapes, synchronize actions, and maintain a sense of control.

One of the most famous examples is that of RAF Lieutenant John Francis Williams, who was involved in the “Great Escape” from Stalag Luft III. His Rolex 3525 accompanied him during the planning of the escape.

Technical Specifications

Production Years:	1939 – 1945
Case	Oyster Monobloc (steel/gold)
Diameter	35 mm
Thickness	Approx. 13 mm
Movement	Valjoux 23 (manual winding)
Crystal	Domed Plexiglass
Water Resistance	Limited (period standard)
Case Back	Screw-down
Chronograph Pushers	Non-screw-down

Instructions from the Past

The original manual of a historic timepiece is a valuable source of knowledge. Within these pages, you will find usage instructions, essential care guidelines, and the technical vision of the era in which the watch was created. A document that reveals how time was measured, understood, and preserved.

Witnesses of the time

These watches have spanned eras and events. They are not just instruments for measuring time, but authentic historical documents; each timepiece holds a story worth rediscovering.

Read their stories and let them guide you on a journey through time.

A Heritage to Preserve

The CROWN 3525 project, part of the Vintage Watches Federation, was created to collect, document, and preserve these pieces. Each watch is a historical testimony, and each story deserves to be told.