Item Number: WFS104

Status: SOLD

Style: Rolex WWI Era "Trench Watch", double signed (case & movement), screw front and back. Wristwatches from this period were frequently nicknamed "trench watches" after the trench warfare in which they were used during WWI. Read more on the history of wristwatches...

Case no: 606559.

Circa: 1914 (London Hallmarks)

Movement: Rebberg 13"' movement, signed "ROLEX 15 JEWELS" on the main wheel, and "SWISS MADE" on the smaller wheel.

Dial: Nice sunken subsidiary seconds, porcelain dial. Roman numerals, with desirable red twelve. The dial has a faint hairline crack from the 10 to the 12, but this hairline is not noticeable unless you remove the crystal and use a loupe.

Crown: Original Onion Style Crown.

Hands: Original thin tear-drop style hands.

Case: Screw front and back 3-piece Sterling Silver case, with wire lugs, and a faint coined edge stamping around the crystal that was used to aid in unscrewing the front half of the case. Inside the caseback it is stamped "Rolex", and "W&D" representing Wilsdorf & Davis Limited -- the name used by Rolex prior to 1915, when the company was renamed as "The Rolex Watch Company Limited". The case also features the Hallmarks for London, 1914, and ".925", representing Sterling Silver. The Caseback features the following inscription: "YASS GOLF CLUB, E. O. O'Brien".

The caseback was also stamped "FRONT AND BACK SCREW ON", as this was a new "modern" design for the time and they surely wanted to advertise the fact. It is worth mentioning that these screw front and back cases were an example of the early attempts to protect the movement from moisture and dust, which would eventually lead to the Rolex Oyster case in 1927.

Band / Bracelet: Early Black "Stitch on" Smooth Leather Band.

Case size: 28 mm (outer case dimensions -- not including crown).

Description: This is a very nice piece of Rolex history. In fact, with the London Hallmarks dating the watch to 1914, this could be one of the very last watches Wilsdorf & Davis produced before changing their name to The Rolex Watch Company. It is truely hard to believe this watch is 91 YEARS OLD !! After doing some research I was able to determine that the Yass Golf Club was founded in New South Wales, Australia in 1903.

Rolex watches were considered some of the most relaible watches of the time, and they were the preferred choice for anyone partaking in sporting activities while wearing a wristwatch, including golf. This watch was very likely a gift for someone entering military service during WWI, or possibly for a golf club member who just returned from the war, as it was not uncommon for watches of the time to be sold 2, or 3 years after they were manufactured. This watch would make a great gift for anyone interested in Rolex, WWI, or Golf history or memorabilia.

Condition: While this watch is in good shape for its age, it is certainly not meant to be worn with any regularity. After all, it is 91+ YEARS OLD!! The watch does run, but we can offer no guarantee as to its accuracy or long-term condition. The watch is delicate and the case back can be a bit tricky to screw on and off. Basically, this is a watch to appreciate for its history, and not meant to be your daily workhorse.

Additional Images: Movement 2, Movement 3, Dial Angle, Case Back, Inside Caseback, 3-Piece Case

Estimated Value: $1,200 - $1,400

Selling Price: SOLD

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Email us (or call 1.866.99.ROLEX -- 1.866.997.6539) for more info on this watch.