Description: 50.5mm Nickel Steel British Royal Navy Deck Watch Circa 1940s, serviced by master horologist. In perfect running order keeping accurate time ready to treasure and enjoy! In 1939, Germany forced Great Britain’s hand with their invasion of Poland and set off the largest war of the 20th century. At the time, Great Britain possessed the largest navy in the world. By the early 1940s, this beautifully preserved Rolex presumably served on the high seas as a British naval deck pocket watch. ***Unfortunately the markings have been erased by previous owner this was common during the 1950s where it was considered best practice to remove any markings relating to the war***. Rolex only produced this model reference for the British Royal Navy. As a piece of British military equipment, this watch would been marked with the distinctive mark of the British Admiralty. This marking, known as the “broad arrow” or “crow’s feet” and the letter B indicating it was British equipment rather than Australian or Canadian— the broad arrow was in use throughout the British Commonwealth. This Rolex is a rare watch from a defining moment in history. The legacy of this timepiece can make for a great investigative undertaking to determine the sort of naval action this watch may have participated in, during its service in the British Navy. Did it see action in the stormy seas of the North Atlantic? Or maybe aboard a submarine in the South Pacific? The journey and the story of this watch are worthy of a closer look. Meanwhile, its clearly defined attachment to the World’s Finest Hour makes it an incredible piece of horological history. This watch is perfect for any military or World War II memorabilia collection, its horological value makes it a rare and important timepiece for collectors. Perfect for everyday carry or display in the office or on the mantelpiece. Original Enamel Dial: Signed Rolex Swiss made. White enamel with Arabic numerals dial, chapter ring 1/5th of a scale with applied red minute markers. Sub seconds dial at 6 o'clock in excellent working order. Steel blue pointed baton hands in good condition. Overall the Enamel dial is in astonishing condition for the age, no hairlines or cracks.. Please see photo. Original Crystal: Perspex crystal is in very good condition. Original Nickel Steel Case: Case – The movement is housed in a white metal open face case, which has a screw off back and bezel. Polished case measures 50.5mm without crown. Has scratches, fading and tarnishing associated with polished base metals commensurate with age and wear. Screw Back Original Case Back Cover Outer: The back of the back cover would have originally been engraved with military markings and again numbered on the edges with the broad arrow, British government mark. Sadly these markings have been machine polished out and removed by previous owner leaving the case with a plain finish. Has surface scratches and tarnishing associated with base polished metals commensurate with age and wear. Please observe photographs. Original Movement Case Inner: Marked Nickel steel numbered ‘1373348 3032 ’. Has surface scratches associated with base metals commensurate with age and wear. Period service markers present. Original Movement: Movement – the nickel bridge movement has a lever escapement and is signed ‘Rolex, 15 Rubies Swiss Made’ and is in excellent condition , serviced by a master horologist. In superb working order keeping accurate time. Ready to enjoy! Original Bow: Has faded over time to a brass finish. Please see photos Original Onion Crown/Winder: Stem wound and stem set crown in good functioning order, signs of general wear and fading commensurate with age. * Please observe photographs carefully as they form part of the description* Please note the Rolex is over 80 years old. Shipping DHL insured registered post World wide. Buyer responsible for any taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at destination port.
Price: 950 GBP
Location: Birmingham
End Time: 2024-12-30T19:21:49.000Z
Shipping Cost: 63.7 GBP
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return postage will be paid by: Buyer
Returns Accepted: Returns Accepted
After receiving the item, your buyer should cancel the purchase within: 30 days
Closure: Open Face
Number of Jewels: 15 Jewels
Indices: Arabic Numerals
Dial Colour: White Enamel
Year Manufactured: 1940s
Customised: No
Vintage: Yes
Department: Unisex Adults
Case Colour: Silver
Caseback: Snap
Escapement Type: Lever
Style: Military
Features: 12-Hour Dial, Acrylic Crystal, Sub Seconds Dial
Case Material: Nickel Steel
Handmade: Yes
Movement: Mechanical (Manual)
Water Resistance: No
Pocket Watch Size: 50.5mm
With Papers: No
With Service Records: No
Brand: Rolex
Type: Pocket Watch
Model: Rolex
With Original Box/Packaging: No
Case Finish: Polished
With Manual/Booklet: No
Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland
Display: Analogue
Personalise: No