Rolex Precision

    The strap size depends on the reference. Yours is engraved on the case back or between the lugs at 6 o'clock.

    16 or 17 mm

    From our database, not yet verified

    31 to 32 mm cases · 1940 to 1950

    Filter references by lug width
    Find your exact reference
    Report an error

    Indicative information. Check your watch before buying a strap: whatsmylugwidth.com is not responsible for an incorrect size.

    Watch line6 references
    17 mm
    Illustration drawn to scale: 32 mm case, 17 mm lugs

    The story

    The story of the Rolex Precision

    On a vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision, the word Precision meant a non-chronometer-grade movement. These hand-wound watches were Rolex's entry-level models and a gateway into vintage Rolex.
    1. 1930s to 1940s Small hand-wound Oysters In the 1930s and 1940s, Rolex sold small manual-wind Oysters whose dials paired a model name such as Speedking or Royal with the word Precision.
    2. 1940s to 1950s Snap-back dress watches Rolex also sold round gold dress watches with snap-on backs signed Precision, some with 17-jewel manual movements and the patented Superbalance.

    34mm

    34mm: case of the Oysterdate Precision references Gear Patrol covers (some had 31mm cases)

    Read the full storyHide the story
    34mm34mm: case of the Oysterdate Precision references Gear Patrol covers (some had 31mm cases)
    58 hourspower reserve of the hand-wound calibre 1210 in a 6426

    Chapters

    1. 1930s to 1940s

      Small hand-wound Oysters

      In the 1930s and 1940s, Rolex sold small manual-wind Oysters whose dials paired a model name such as Speedking or Royal with the word Precision. Auction examples of ref. 4220 measure about 29mm, with screw-down crown and screw back.

    2. 1940s to 1950s

      Snap-back dress watches

      Rolex also sold round gold dress watches with snap-on backs signed Precision, some with 17-jewel manual movements and the patented Superbalance. Cases ran from about 31mm to 35mm, and some came in Dennison cases.

    Moments

    Rolex did not print Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified on the Oysterdate Precision models, whose movements were not chronometer-grade; their dials carry the word Precision instead.

    Generations and strap changes

    1. circa 1946
      Ref. 4220

      Small steel Oyster with sweep centre seconds and a 15 or 17-jewel manual movement, sold with Speedking or Royal names on the dial alongside Precision.

      Bonhams and Christie's give a 29mm case.

    About Rolex

    Founded in 1905 in London, United Kingdom.

    Ambassadors include Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, Mark Webber The Rolex story

    6 Rolex Precision references

    Rolex Precision references in our database. Each card says where its width comes from: listed by the maker (linked to the maker's page in the details), two independent sources agree, or listed in our database and not yet verified by us.

    • 4220

      Precision

      17 mm

      Database

      31 mm1940Silver dialSteel

      Attachment
      classic lugs
      Movement
      Manual
      Caseback
      Screw-down steel
      Production
      1940-1946
      Status
      Listed in our database, not yet verified

    • 4222

      Precision

      16 mm

      Database

      31 mm1940Black dialSteel

      Attachment
      classic lugs
      Movement
      Manual
      Caseback
      Screw-down steel
      Production
      1940-1946
      Status
      Listed in our database, not yet verified

    • 4411

      Precision ref.

      Width not listed yet

      Database

      34 mm1942Silver dial18K Gold

      Movement
      Manual Chronometer
      Caseback
      Screw-down steel
      Production
      1942-1945
      Status
      Listed in our database, not yet verified

    • 4498

      Precision

      16 mm

      Database

      31 mm1946Two-Tone dialSteel

      Attachment
      classic lugs
      Movement
      Manual
      Caseback
      Screw-down steel
      Production
      1946-1952
      Status
      Listed in our database, not yet verified

    • 6020

      Precision

      17 mm

      Database

      32 mm1950Black dialSteel

      Attachment
      classic lugs
      Movement
      Manual
      Caseback
      Screw-down steel
      Production
      1950-1958
      Status
      Listed in our database, not yet verified

    • 6502

      Precision Extra-Flat Precision

      19 mm

      Database

      34 mm1953Silver dialYellow Gold

      Movement
      Manual
      Caseback
      Screw-down gold
      Production
      1953-1959
      Status
      Listed in our database, not yet verified

    FAQ

    What lug width does the Rolex Precision use?

    Rolex Precision references use 16 mm or 17 mm or 19 mm depending on the reference and case size, so check yours in the list below. The most common is 17 mm (2 of 5 references with a known width). These widths come from our database and are not yet verified.

    Do all Rolex Precision references take the same strap?

    No. 3 different lug widths appear across the line, often by case size or generation. Check the reference engraved on the case back or between the lugs.

    What lug width does the Oyster Precision 6426 have?

    19mm. Fratello measured 19mm lug spacing on a 34mm case with a 42mm lug-to-lug.

    Can an Oysterdate Precision go from bracelet to strap easily?

    Yes. Many were first sold on a steel Oyster bracelet, and Gear Patrol notes the references it covers all have drilled lug holes for easy strap and bracelet swaps.

    What did the snap-back Precision dress watches come on?

    Auction examples include leather straps with a signed Rolex buckle; one 14ct gold example came on a 9ct gold bracelet.

    Other Rolex collections

    All Rolex collections

    Help

    What is lug width?

    The gap between the two lugs that hold the strap, in millimetres. A new strap must match it exactly: 20 mm lugs take a 20 mm strap.

    Measure it in 30 seconds

    1. Take the strap off, or look at the back of it: many straps print their width.
    2. Measure the inside gap between the lugs with a caliper or a millimetre ruler.
    3. Round to the nearest whole millimetre. Most watches use 18, 20 or 22 mm.

    Strap, quick release or system?

    Most watches use spring bars, so any strap of the right width fits. Many smartwatches use their own band system instead, such as Apple Watch bands or Garmin QuickFit.