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1914 ROLEX Rare Vintage Mens World War I Era Military Trench - Sterling Silver

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. 1914 ROLEX Rare Vintage Mens World War I Era Military Officers Demi-Hunter Trench Watch - Sterling Silver 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 access their vital timepieces. Today's offering showcases this rare and Rolex demi-hunter "trench watch" likely built during World War I c. 1914 or 1915, only six or seven years after the founding of Rolex. While watches from this era were often quite small, this watch is the size of most watches four decades later. It is quite large for the era, measuring 35mm in diameter without the crown. 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 its circular case, easy to read porcelain dial with large numerals, and small "onion" winding crown, it clearly showcases its resemblance to a pocket watch. This particular example takes the pocketwatch design even further. Designed to capture the best qualities of both the hunter cased and open face pocket watches from the era, it features a half-hunter case construction which offered the protection of a hunter cased watch with the convenient time reading of an open faced watch. It even has a spring-loaded push button that opens the lid like a pocket watch. The case has a wonderful early screwback case design, suggestive of the Oyster that was to follow a decade and a half late. The centerpiece of the watch when the case is closed is the demi-hunter bezel with engraved numbers, and the centerpiece of the watch when the cover is open is its beautiful original porcelain dial with large luminous Arabic numerals. Its very early, signed Rolex sterling silver case is in honest condition. It has tarnished with a nice light patina, so we have left it on for the sale. If you would like removed so that the case is a shiny silver tone, please let us know. Its untouched original dial is in very good condition with a few hairlines. Its luminous in its hands and numerals are beautifully toned and matching. 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 its original, signed Rolex Rebberg "hunter" movement which included installing a new mainspring. Photos of the inside available upon request. For the finishing touch it comes equipped with a new one-piece leather strap for its fixed lugs making it ready for immediate enjoyment. Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, and a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity. Don't miss this opportunity to own and enjoy an original historical vintage Rolex. Detailed Appraisal: Manufacturer: Rolex Country of origin: Switzerland Year built: c. 1914 - 1915 Model: Trench Style Watch Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds Designed for: Men Case material: Sterling silver Case condition: Very good honest condition. The bezel and main case are in excellent condition with light wear. The back light rippling in back from a previously installed one piece band and wear to the wrench grooves. We have left the classic patina on the case. Dimensions: 35mm diameter (excluding crown - 37mm including), 44mm long lug tip-to-tip Dial: White enamel with luminous Arabic numerals, signed Rolex, outer railroad minute track, very good original and untouched condition a few hairlines Hands: Blued steel with luminous, original 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: Leather with alligator grain, remborde, designed for fixed lug watches, excellent condition Crystal: Acrylic, 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 has fully serviced its original, signed Rolex Rebberg "hunter" movement which included installing a new mainspring. Photos of the inside available upon request. 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. As mentioned, one used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center. Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity SKU 10202
  • Creator:
  • Case Material:
  • Strap Material:
    Leather
  • Case Shape:
    Round
  • Movement:
  • Case Dimensions:
    Height: 1.74 in (44 mm)Width: 1.38 in (35 mm)
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1915
  • Condition:
    The case has a wonderful early screwback case design, suggestive of the Oyster that was to follow a decade and a half late. Its beautiful original porcelain dial with large luminous Arabic numerals. Its very early, signed Rolex sterling silver case.
  • Seller Location:
    Suwanee, GA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 102021stDibs: LU4333226416352

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