This is the civilian version of the elusive British North Greenland Expedition Explorer-style watch, of which only 30 were ever made. In over 20 years of collecting Rolex and Tudor watches I have only seen a few other examples of this "civilian" version with the exact same dial configuration and handset as the military version and both were very weathered.

The signed "Swiss Made" dial is precisely the same as the military version, with raised silver 3-6-9-12 numbers and dagger plots with aged tritium dots. The hour and minute hands are identical, as is the blue steel second's hand.  Additionally lug holes can only be found on the non-crown side of the case as with the military version. The primary difference is that the military version had initials of the service member stamped into the caseback as well as B.N.G.E along with the date 1952-1954. Also the military version was a 7809 and had the oyster patent crown whereas this version is a 7909 and has the rare and equally coveted "plus" crown. Few of these 1950's plus crowns have survived, especially in near perfect condition as this one is.  More on the historical significance of the military version can be found at the following VRF link: http://www.network54.com/Forum/207593/thread/1327858847/British+North+Greenland+Expedition+52-54.+Tudor+7809.  You will notice that my watch looks identical to the military version aside from the differences mentioned above. 

I bought this watch from the family of the original owner several years ago. A few years ago I sent it to Rik "Rikki" Dietel of Time Care Inc. for a complete overhaul. Rik is a Rolex Forum (TRF) "Rolex Watchtech" expert and a CW21 watchmaker who does wonderful work on both vintage and modern Rolex and other branded high end timepieces. You are welcome to speak directly with Rik about his work on this watch. Subsequent to the service the watch has been stored in a safe and unworn.

The dial on this watch has aged beautifully to a warm butterscotch vanilla with the matching hands and nestled dial tritium dots having developed a rich golden caramel hue, creating a wonderful and inviting contrast. Neither the hands nor tritium dots glow when exposed to bright light. The case is stamped 7909 with a difficult to read serial of, I believe, 1170**, which places the manufacturing of this watch to before 1956 and shortly after the approximate 57*** serial range of the B.N.G.E issued watches. The case, previously unpolished according to Rik, has been expertly polished back to factory specs and remains thick. The caseback, which has not been polished, does have a few gouges, with the model and serial numbers visible but well-worn from years of use.  The deep and non-stretched lugholes are only on the non-crown size, which is correct. The original plus Rolex crown, which indicates that the period of manufacture was in the early 1950's, is in near perfect condition with sharp threading and no dings to the face. It screws down and releases smoothly, as it should. Genuine Rolex springbars were put on by Rik during service.

The stunning 390 movement currently keeps near perfect time with approximately 33 hours of power reserve. Pictures of the movement from prior to the service can be provided upon request.

This watch measures approximately 34 mm without the crown, approximately 37 mm including the crown and approximately 19 mm between the lugs.

Although this watch currently performs almost flawlessly, given that it is nearly 60 years old, there are no warranties, express or implied, attached with the sale of this watch. Any servicing costs going forward are your responsibility.

Please thoroughly read this entire listing and kindly ask any and all questions you may have prior to buying as this sale is final and no refunds of any kind will be given. And please study the 12 high magnification pictures carefully as they are part of the description and serve as an accurate representation of the condition of this watch.

Expedited and insured shipping along with signature confirmation will be required. Thanks for looking!