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Vintage Rolex Oyster Royal Observatory WW2 Men’s Military Watch
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► SELLER'S DESCRIPTION
Up for sale is a vintage Rolex Oyster Royal Observatory men’s military wristwatch from the World War II era. Watches of this type were produced during a unique period in Rolex history, often featuring variations in dial configurations and case construction depending on the market and wartime production conditions.
This example features the highly desirable “Oyster Royal Observatory” configuration, complete with a classic military-style dial including Arabic numerals, an outer 24-hour track, and a small seconds register at 6 o’clock. The dial has developed a beautiful, even patina over time, adding to the watch’s vintage character.
The watch is in full working condition and is running and holding accurate time.
The watch retains all of its original components aside from the strap and is fitted on an aftermarket genuine Rolex ostrich leather strap with a genuine era-correct Rolex steel buckle. This combination complements the watch well while maintaining a period-correct appearance.
This example is powered by its original high-end 17 jewel movement, which is more desirable and less commonly encountered than lower jewel variants from the period.
The case size is approximately 29.5 mm not including the crown.
The watch is in absolutely fantastic physical condition and shows signs of use and age consistent with a vintage piece. Nothing on the watch has been redone, and all original parts remain intact. The photos best describe its physical condition and should be reviewed carefully.
Key Details:
• Brand: Rolex
• Model: Oyster Royal Observatory
• Era: World War II (1940s)
• Case Size: Approximately 29.5 mm (excluding crown)
• Dial: Original military-style dial with Arabic numerals and 24-hour track
• Case: Oyster case
• Strap: Aftermarket genuine Rolex ostrich leather strap with genuine Rolex steel buckle
• Condition: Running and holding accurate time; shows signs of use and age
• Movement: Original high-end 17 jewel movement
A rare and highly collectible WWII-era Rolex, offering originality, strong condition, and classic military styling. Pieces like this are increasingly difficult to find, especially examples that remain fully original and well preserved.
Ships carefully. Feel free to message me with any questions.
► ARCHIVE FILE: ROLEX — BRAND HISTORY
Rolex began in London in 1905, when Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis founded Wilsdorf & Davis to case Swiss movements for the British market. Wilsdorf registered the Rolex name in 1908, choosing it because it was short, easy to pronounce in any language, and fit neatly on a dial. He then set about proving that wristwatches, still dismissed as jewelry, could be precision instruments: a Rolex earned the first chronometer certificate granted to a wristwatch in 1910, a Kew Class A certificate followed in 1914, and the firm moved to Geneva in 1919.
Read the full Rolex story — and shop all Rolex watches ►► RELATED TIMEPIECES DETECTED (4)
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