1940's Rolex WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens 52mm Pocket Watch - Nick

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1940's Rolex WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens 52mm Pocket Watch - Nick

Name: 1940's Rolex WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens 52mm Pocket Watch - Nick
Brand: Rolex

Price:$3,619

About the Item

NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating on other online sites. 1940's ROLEX WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens 52mm Pocket Watch - Nickel Beautiful All-Original Condition - World War II Era - Fully Serviced - 1 Year Warranty Today's offering showcases this very cool and historically significant Rolex pocket watch specially made for the British military during the World War II era. Marked with the military case number B8454, it was built to serve in active duty under the harsh conditions of wartime Europe. Imagine the history this watch has witnessed: tucked in the tunic pocket of a British officer, or carried aboard a naval vessel during wartime operations across Europe. As both a precision instrument and a military artifact, it holds a quiet gravity - and a story it will never fully tell. During World War II, as Britain mobilized its forces for global conflict, the need for precise and durable timepieces became critical. To equip its servicemen—from pilots and navigators to infantry officers—the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) commissioned wristwatches and pocket watches built to their exacting military standards. These timepieces were designated and tracked using a now-historic symbol: the Broad Arrow. The Broad Arrow, a stylized arrowhead pointing upward, has deep roots in British history. Originally used as a royal property mark as far back as the 16th century, it became the official stamp of the War Department. When engraved on a timepiece, the Broad Arrow denoted that the watch was government property—purpose-built and issued specifically for military use. These watches weren’t just government-issued—they were engineered for the battlefield. The Ministry set strict specifications for water resistance, shock protection, dial legibility, and accuracy. Watches bearing the Broad Arrow had to meet these rigorous standards, making them some of the most reliable instruments of their era. They were tools of survival, not fashion—built to function in the demanding conditions of air, land, and sea warfare. Among the most respected of these were Rolex’s military-issue watches, including wristwatches and pocket watches. Rolex was already renowned for precision and durability, and their military-issued timepieces quickly became prized by the men who depended on them. Many of these Rolexes were not marked on the dial but bore military engravings on the case back—including the Broad Arrow, military codes, and issue numbers. For collectors, Broad Arrow watches are more than rare artifacts—they are tangible links to the personal histories of soldiers and the broader story of WWII. Most were worn by someone who served on the front lines of history. Their rugged construction and purposeful design reflect the era’s gravitas, while their provenance gives them significance in our planet's story of human history. Our all-original Broad Arrow Rolex measures a substantial 52mm in diameter and features a thick nickel case which was distinctively designed to *not* have a bow, a highly legible white enamel dial with easy-to-read Arabic numerals, and a subsidiary seconds register for precision timing. The outside of the caseback is engraved with the official British broad arrow, denoting government property, and the military number, B8454. Inside is the reliable 15-jewel Rolex caliber 548 manual movement designed for durability and consistent performance, a necessity for officers and naval personnel who relied on accurate timekeeping for critical mission coordination. We are pleased to offer it in very well-preserved all-original condition. Its case, which appears never to have been polished, is in excellent condition. Its military number is also strongly stamped on the outer case band. Please inquire if you would like a photo. Its white enamel dial is original and untouched is in gorgeous condition - appears mint even under magnification. And its fine, Rolex movement is very clean. 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, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, installing a new mainspring, re-pinning the regulator stud for pendant carry, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value). It is keeping accurate time. Included with the purchase is a one-year warranty on the movement and its function and a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity. Like certain other very rare and early Rolex watches, we think these Broad Arrow watches remain undervalued. At a time when the value of the Rolex crown continues to outpace that of most other watches, these uncommon watches with significant military provenance remain remarkably affordable - more affordable than even an entry level 1960's Rolex wristwatch like the Oysterdate which was made in the hundreds of thousands of units. Whether you're a Rolex collector or someone passionate about World War II-era militaria, this cool British military issued Rolex represents a rare intersection of horology, history, and heritage. Detailed Appraisal: Manufacturer: Rolex Country of origin: Switzerland Year sold: c. World War II era Case marking: B 8454 Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds Designed for: Men Case material: Nickel Case condition: Appears never to have been polished, is in excellent condition Dimensions: 52mm diameter Dial: White enamel, signed Rolex, black Arabic numerals with outer railroad-style minute track, sunken sub-seconds dial at 6 o'clock, original and untouched in gorgeous condition - appears mint even under magnification Hands: Original, blue steel "spades" Movement type: cal. 548 Jewels: 15 rubies Crystal type: Mineral glass, 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, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, installing a new mainspring, re-pinning the regulator stud for pendant carry, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (an $795 value). Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please message us for details. 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. Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; Also accompanying the watch is a very cool original Rolex for Bucherer spoon to showcase close relationship between the two companies. SKU 10092SH

Creator:
Rolex
Case Material:
Other
Case Shape:
Round
Movement:
Case Dimensions:
Diameter: 2.05 in (52 mm)
Place of Origin:
Switzerland
Period:
1940-1949
Date of Manufacture:
1940
Condition:
We are pleased to offer it in very well-preserved all-original condition. Its case, which appears never to have been polished, is in excellent condition. Its white enamel dial is original and untouched is in gorgeous condition.
Seller Location:
Suwanee, GA
Reference Number:
Seller: 10092SH1stDibs: LU4333226393172

Shop All Rolex

Rolex

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

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