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Rolex
c. 1917 Rare Vintage Mens World War I Era Military Officers Trench Watch - Gun Metal
Fixed price
$3,061
+ $29 for insured shipping to
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More About This Listing
Basic Info |
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| Listing code | FGJOM9 |
| Brand | Rolex |
| Reference number | 8418 |
| Dealer product code | 8418 |
| Bracelet material | Leather |
| Year of production | 1910 (Approximation) |
| Condition | (Worn with little to no signs of wear) |
| Scope of delivery |
No original box, no original papers
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| Gender | Men's watch/Unisex |
| Location | United States of America, Georgia, Suwanee |
| Price | $3,061 |
| Availability | Item is in stock |
Caliber |
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| Number of jewels | 15 |
Case |
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| Case diameter | 29 x 35 mm |
| Crystal | Mineral Glass |
| Dial | White |
| Dial numerals | Roman numerals |
Bracelet/strap |
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| Bracelet material | Leather |
| Bracelet color | Brown |
Description |
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c. 1917 ROLEX Rare Vintage Mens World War I Era Military Officers Trench Watch - Gun Metal
Rare & Early Rolex Wristwatch - Military Trench Watch Style - 1 Year Warranty In the first decade after the turn of the twentieth century when someone referred to a gentleman's watch they most often meant one object - a large, timing instrument kept in the pocket. That changed in part because of Hans Wilsdorf, a true legend in timekeeping history, who founded Rolex Watch Co. in 1908. When the first World War erupted, demand rose sharply for these novel watches as Allied servicemen needed a more suitable way to a access their vital timepieces. Today's offering showcases this rare and Rolex "trench watch" built circa the 1910's, only a handful of years after the founding of Rolex. We believe these more than a century old Rolex are underappreciated: At a time when Rolex values are climbing finding an original one of these is very difficult, their military style is exceedingly cool, and they are one of the first Rolex wristwatches made, yet they often sell for less than a ubiquitous 70's Oysterdate. Often referred to as a Trench Watch, watches like this one enabled an officer to coordinate his men's activities with precision with just a glance at his wrist. With it's circular case, easy to read porcelain dial with large numerals, and small "onion" winding crown, it clearly showcases its resemblance to a pocket watch. The centerpiece of the watch is its beautiful original porcelain dial with black Roman numerals and distinctive red 12. Born before the days of constant brand focused marketing, these very early pieces are often not outwardly signed Rolex - they are only signed on the case and movement. Originally designed for men and midsized at 29mm by today's standard, it is well-suited to someone with small wrist. Its very early, gun metal case is fully signed and in honest original condition. It has tarnished to a pleasing deep brownish blue-grey, so we have left it on for the sale. Its dial presents in gorgeous condition. It presents as mint to the naked eye. Its original, signed Rolex Rebberg "hunter" movement is running very true. One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker (for many years now Rolex has not "certified" watchmakers, they only "train" them), has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine Rolex parts, installing a new correct mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $795 value). Amazingly after more than a century, it contines to keep time within -16 seconds per day when tested on a machine that spins the watch in all directions simulating it being worn on the wrist. For the finishing touch it comes equipped with a like new Swiss made pig leather strap designed to replicate very closely the look of the original making it ready for immediate enjoyment. Included with the purchase is a one-year warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate attesting to its performance. Don't miss this opporuntiy to enjoy a historical vintage Rolex. Detailed Appraisal: Manufacturer: Rolex Country of origin: Switzerland Year built: c. 1910's, likely around c. 1917 Case no.: 740,185 Model: Trench Style Watch Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds Designed for: Men Case material: Gun metal Case markings (inside): Swiss, Rolex signature, 740,185 Case condition: Honest original condition. Normal age pitting to back. We have left the beautiful patina on the case. Dial: White enamel with black painted Arabic numerals with a red 12, outer ornate gold minute track, tiny chip and tiny hairline visible if highly scrutinized under magnification - it presents as mint to the naked eye. Born before the days of constant brand focused marketing, these very early pieces are often not outwardly signed Rolex - they are only signed on the case and movement. Hands: Blued steel "spades" Movement type: Fine Swiss quality, Rolex Rebberg hunter, signed Rolex, decorated with pearling, 15 jewels, index regulator Movement markings: Rolex, Swiss Made, 15 Jewels Jewels: 15 rubies Band: Oil tanned pig leather, Swiss made, fully stitched, designed for fixed lug watches and to close replicate the original, like new Crystal: Mineral glass, vintage, excellent condition. Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker (for many years now Rolex has not "certified" watchmakers, they only "train" them), has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine Rolex parts, installing a new correct mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $795 value). Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Also timed on a machine that spins the watch in all directions simulating it being worn. Amazingly after more than a century, it contines to keep time within -16 seconds on the wearing simulation machine. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please message us for details. Box/Papers: BOX - Watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate SKU 8418 |
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