Vintage Rolex WW1 Mens Military Officers Trench Watch Sterling Circa 1915

  

This piece has been part of my watch collection for over 20 years. The crystal door came open during his evening of fun and the minute and second hands were lost. The door is still hinged but the hinge has been weakened and does not securely close.

The back door is in excellent condition as well as the movement - No trauma was endured. The watch was overwound but the balance wheel operates periodically when coaxed - It will require service. This is no ordinary military watch - This special timepiece was a premium upgrade from the officers required kit and allowance provided. The year 1915 was an important one in Rolexs young history given that "Rolex" was first registered as a company name on November 15, 1915.

The website Vintage Watch Straps does an excellent job of providing the history of these important tools of war. The inside of the case is beautifully hallmarked and tells the story that it was manufactured in Switzerland, imported to London in 1915 by Wilsdorf and Davis. Please see photo for mark explanations. The history of W&D and the Rolex brand are well documented on the internet for your research. The Assay office website is a terrific one for hallmark research as well.

More than a dozen watchmakers service marks are scratched in the door - indicating that it was loved, well taken care of over the years and owned by someone who was a stickler for accuracy. Assuming the numbers represent month/year, the legible service dates include. The Aegler Rebberg movement is a work of art to look at.

It is discreetly signed and numbered 4461 under the dial. Its is signed Rolex on the frontside- This was W&Ds branding requirements with Aegler who was the official movement maker for Rolex at the time. The dial has been upgraded at some time during the watchs 115 year history- British cased watches were not branded on the dial with the Rolex name prior to 1926 unless upgraded after market. The dial has Eddi 63/3 scratched on the backside - My guess is that it was replaced or refurbished in March of 1963.

I have included detailed photos for your review. Nonetheless the enamel is absolutely clean and beautiful and all other parts are original on this wonderful piece of history.

Instead of restoring the watch, I have chosen to put it up for sale. Includes genuine deBeers crocodile strap. Questions welcomed as well as comments from the watch community. The item "Vintage Rolex WW1 Mens Military Officers Trench Watch Sterling Circa 1915" is in sale since Sunday, December 6, 2020.

This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Watches, Parts & Accessories\Watches\Wristwatches". The seller is "tastylife" and is located in Oyster Bay, New York.

This item can be shipped to United States.

1. Brand: Rolex
2. Department: Men
3. Type: Wristwatch
4. Style: Luxury
5. Band Material: Crocodile
6. Case Size: 33 mm
7. Lug Width: 18 mm
8. Case Finish: Polished
9. Dial Style: Arabic Numerals
10. Dial Color: White
11. Age Group: Adult
12. Number of Jewels: 15 Jewels
13. Watch Shape: Round
14. Year Manufactured: Pre-1920
15. Closure: Buckle
16. Caseback: Hinged
17. Display: Analog
18. Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland
19. Case Thickness: 12 mm
20. Case Material: Sterling Silver
21. Movement: Mechanical (Hand-winding)
22. Vintage: Yes
23. Water Resistance: Not Water Resistant
24. Features: Acrylic Crystal
25. Case Color: Sterling Silver
26. Serial Number: 666946
27. Band Color: Black
28. Gender: Men's
29. Band Type: Two-Piece Strap