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1941 ROLEX OYSTER NEPTUNE Vintage "Boys" Size WWII Military Style Watch

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 via other online sites with a 5.0 star rating. 1941 ROLEX OYSTER NEPTUNE Vintage Mens Midsize "Boys" WWII Military Style Watch - 14K Gold Filled & Stainless Steel Very Rare & Original - Untouched Dial - 1 Year Warranty Today's offering showcases this very rare and cool World War II "boy's size" Rolex Neptune ref. 3478. It is all-original with a fantastic dial. In the late 1930's Rolex ran an ad campaign titled "Time flies" featuring the exploits of renowned pioneering aviators wearing Rolex watches. The successful campaign created a high demand for these pieces among the pilots of the era. As World War II came into full swing, suddenly the world found itself with a large number of pilots. The watch of choice for these aviators was the "Boy's size" Rolex Oyster with manually wound movement, red sweep seconds hand (if possible), and a luminous numbered dial. The RAF pilots won the Battle of Britain wearing these distinguished watches.* This particular rare model, the Neptune, was sold only in Canada. They were often intended for servicemen and airmen heading to Europe and the Pacific, and Canadian Oysters were often sold in PX stores. Rolex made sure that the case and crown were full Rolex Oyster models that could withstand rigorous conditions. Some of the more common similar smaller Canadian market Rolex/Oyster watches were the Pioneer, Royalite, Victory, Firefly, Raleigh, Centregraph, Skyrocket - but Neptunes are exceptionally uncommon. Few Rolex collectors have ever seen one. Much less had the chance to own one. It has all of its original and is about as honest as they come. Its Rolex production Oyster case is factory stamped with its serial no. It appears never to have been polished. It shows gold wear and a few fairly light scratches. On the wrist it presents nicely. Its rare Neptune signed dial, is original and untouched, in excellent condition showing only light aging. And its handwound Rolex movement is running strong and true, keeping very accurate time. We have been trying to bring some of our long-term movement restoration projects across the finish line. Two of our Master Watchmakers who happen to be brothers worked for four years sympathetically restoring the movement to breathe new life into it again for future generations, and it became a larger project than originally anticipated. The final servicing was performed by one of the brothers who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker (an $1195 value.) Our loss is your gain. For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a brand new Italian calfskin strap with aftermarket Rolex style buckle 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, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate. *For interesting reading on the subject see "The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches" by our friend Jeff Hess and James Dowling. Detailed Appraisal: Country of origin: Switzerland, for the Canadian market Maker: Rolex Model: Oyster Neptune Serial no.: 211,883 Year made: c. 1941 Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds Designed for: Men originally - now a unisex watch Case material: Gold plating with stainless steel back Case markings (outside): R.W.C. (for Rolex Watch Company), Stainless Steel, 211,883 Case condition: Its Rolex production Oyster case is factory stamped with its serial no. It appears never to have been polished. It shows gold wear and a few fairly light scratches. On the wrist, it presents nicely. Dimensions: 29mm diameter (excluding crown) by 35mm long lug tip-to-tip Dial: Silver with luminous Arabic indexes, detailed outer minute/second division, original and untouched, excellent condition with only light aging Hands: Original, luminous "syringe" batons with blue steel seconds, pleasing condition Movement type: Rolex caliber 59, manually wound, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating flat balance-spring Movement markings: Rolex (under dial), Oyster Watch Co., 17 Jewels Band: Italian calfskin, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn with aftermarket Rolex style buckle Width between lugs: 16mm Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition Serviced:  We have been trying to bring some of our long-term movement restoration projects across the finish line. Two of our Master Watchmakers who happen to be brothers worked for four years sympathetically restoring the movement to breathe new life into it again for future generations, and it became a larger project than originally anticipated. The final servicing was performed by one of the brothers who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker (an $1195 value.) Our loss is your gain. Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. And its handwound Rolex movement is running strong and true, keeping very accurate time. 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; New timing certificate SKU 8415
  • Creator:
  • Case Material:
  • Strap Material:
    Calf Skin
  • Case Shape:
    Round
  • Movement:
  • Case Dimensions:
    Height: 1.38 in (35 mm)Width: 1.15 in (29 mm)
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1941
  • Condition:
    It has all of its original and is about as honest as they come.Its rare Neptune signed dial, is original and untouched, in excellent condition showing only light aging. And its handwound Rolex movement is running strong and true, keeping very accurat.
  • Seller Location:
    Suwanee, GA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 84151stDibs: LU4333226270802

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