1917 Rolex WW1/Trench Watch, Rare

Creator: Rolex
Case Material: Sterling Silver
Case Shape: Round
Movement: Manual Wind
Case Dimensions: Height: 0.56 in (14 mm) Width: 1.23 in (31 mm) Diameter: 1.23 in (31 mm)
Style: Art Deco
Place of Origin: Switzerland
Period: 1910-1919
Date of Manufacture: 1917
Condition: Excellent Repaired: Total Period Correct Restoration New Crystals, there are two, Dial and hands cleaned and professionally refinished Case Gently Hand Polished Complete Tear Down Service. Minor losses. Total Period Correct Restoration New Crystals, there are two, Dial and hands cleaned and professionally refinished Case Gently Hand Polished Complete Tear Down Service.


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. The movie will be release this month.
What an extraordinary timepiece to be shown. I have never seen one as original as this one. All functioning parts work like they should. Look and study what you see in front of you. This is the only one that I have offered. This watch in its 106 year old history has been taken care of, it is evident from the collective condition
This brand of watch needs no introduction. The style of watch may not be known too well as well. This is a very rare offering, I don?t use that word lightly (rare) . This watch is specifically called:
Rolex, Half Hunter, Sterling Silver, Flip Bezel Cover, Enamel Dial, Hallmarked with the following
925 Sterling Silver
Bear Stamp (Swiss Hallmark)
Letter U 1917 production of case
Dial, Case and movement are all signed ( marked Rolex or W&D) This is exceptionally rare as Rolex partnered with Dennison watch case manufacturing company in the UK to make their cases early in their startup. It was a matter of practice to find Rolex and Dennison together.
Think 1917 for this Rolex, The sterling silver case is in remarkable condition for 106 years. The cover works like it should. The case back bezel unthreads as it should. Designed and crafted to protect the movement from the elements, dust, moisture, hard impacts This watch is designed with a to withstand the moisture and dust.
I have included a picture of the Hallmarks .
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 1917 that is as restored as this one.
Look at the inside case back and movement, all have signed pieces
Case Back
Rolex
Brevet
W&D ( Wildorf and Davis, Rolexes early name before they changed officially to Rolex
RWC LTD
73163 The case has Brevet (Patent) No71363 -Bo?te-savonnette pour montres ( a hunter case for watches) -Granted June 1915 to a Charles Zurbrugg of Bienne. Seems Zurbrugg had a number of wristwatch patents between 1912 and 1917, then disappeared. But where does he fit into Rolex/W&D? Did he loan the the patent? We know Wilsdorf scoured the papers for others patents very often buying them out (like the original Oyster patent) Interestingly I found in the Swiss Journal that Wilsdorf and Zurbrugg both filed patents on the same day (one digit following) - Maybe that is how Wilsdorf saw this patent 71363.
It had a complete tear down service and runs beautifully.
New Crystals ( there are two)
Dial and hands were refinished to their original status by a leading dial house. 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 106 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.
Very careful consideration was given to the pricing of this watch, there are others that are not in as fine of condition. I am firm on the price. It took seven months to finish this watch. This was sent to a high-end watchmaker for servicing, he services Rolex's, IWC, Blancpain, Cartier, Breitling, Vacheron, Jaeger and many more.

See Description