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1920's Rolex Trench / WW1 "Hermetic" or Submarine Double Cases" Sterling Silver

Name: 1920's Rolex Trench / WW1 "Hermetic" or Submarine Double Cases" Sterling Silver
Brand: Rolex
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

$4,753List Price

About the Item

But first, I have a shameless plug! My shop was recently selected to supply vintage American watches for a premier movie starring some major actors and a world famous director. They were looking for authentic watches that would represent the time period from 1915-1926. It is a true story of events that took place during the 1920’s. This brand of watch needs no introduction. The style of watch may. Notice that this watch does not have a visible crown. The crown is hidden from view. This was called a “Hermetic or Submarine” watch. The design was ingenious at the time. ( I have 2 other “Hermetic watches for sale) Designed and crafted to protect the movement from the elements, dust, moisture, hard impacts This watch is designed with a double crystal/.Yes, it has two crystals, one for the “Bezel” that unscrews to set and wind the watch and the inner case that houses the movement. I have included a picture of the British Hallmark. You see the English have long stamped their metal (alloys) with hallmarks that tell a story though symbols. Let’s examine this untold story. Stamped in the watch are: 925 This is for Sterling Silver, usually consisting of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, hence 925 U The letter U is a the stamp that was registered to the London office M, this is a date code of when the case was made, approximately 1927 GS George Stockwell, the renowned English watch case manufacturer Double boutier" actually is "Dauble boitier". The Swiss patent #89276 was granted in January 1921 to Jean Finger of Switzerland. It is for a protective casing (boitier) around the pendant of the watch, and this case has a double case If you are a serious buyer then you will know that this will be a very hard watch to find. I searched on the web and could not find a single Sterling Silver Hermetic Rolex. Let’s address the question of why this does not have a Rolex Stamp on the inside case back. Not all early Rolex watches had cases provided by Rolex, Rolex used several case manufacturers in their early days, especially in England where they used Dennison cases, and Dennison also was a high quality case manufacturer in England. I have carefully restored this watch as close to original as possible. The movement was sent to a watch make with 40 years experience with his specialty being Rolex, Panerai, Breitling, Patek and many more. It had a complete tear down service New Top Crystal Dial refinish, I left the two marks One at approx. 3 o’clock and one at 11 o’clock) on the dial and elected to not have them removed, it adds additional layers to the story of the watch. The dial is a silver color in a inner circle that has a lovely tapestry design adding elegance to the watch The case measures approximately 33MM wide Speaking of the case, look at picture 10, see how the number 579209 is stamped on the case back lid and the interior case back, This means they have survived father time as a pair, often they get separated somewhere in their lifetime. The case lugs appear to be the originals as well, with sterling silver sometimes hard wear will damaged the lugs and they would show a repair, these look fabulous The hands by all accounts are original to the watch. Use the pictures as part of the description. The watch is in incredible condition, it is not perfect, but if you were close to 100 years old, you would have some marks as well. If you want perfect, please pass on this listing, it may not be for you. Use my reviews to decide if my reputation makes you feel more comfortable.

Creator:
Rolex
Case Material:
Sterling Silver
Strap Material:
Leather
Case Shape:
Round
Case Dimensions:
Height: 0.4 in (10 mm)Width: 1.28 in (32.5 mm)Diameter: 1.28 in (32.5 mm)
Style:
Art Deco
Place of Origin:
Europe
Period:
1920-1929
Date of Manufacture:
1920's
Condition:
Repaired: The watch had a complete tear down service Two NOS Crystals Dial was refinished to its original status The case was polished by hand, never by machine. Minor losses.
Seller Location:
Raleigh, NC
Reference Number:
Seller: Rolex1stDibs: LU3149217489792

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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