A rare opportunity to acquire this Rolex Oyster Junior Sport 1943 WW2 era. Reference 3136 is a handsome vintage mid-sized steel manually wound wristwatch. Recently overhauled by a master horologist, in excellent running order keeping accurate time ready to treasure and enjoy!
In the late 1930's Rolex ran an ad campaign titled "Time flies" featuring the exploits of renowned pioneering aviators wearing Rolex watches. The successful campaign created a high demand for these pieces among the pilots of the era.
As World War II came into full swing, suddenly the world found itself with a large number of pilots. The watch of choice for these aviators was the "Boy's size" Oyster’s with manually wound movement, sweep seconds hand and a Arabic numbered dial. The RAF pilots won the Battle of Britain wearing these type of distinguished watches.*
This particular model, the Oyster Junior Sport ref. 3136 was sold only in North America. They were marketed to Canadian soldiers heading overseas and sold them in PX stores..
Its original dial shows ageing with beautiful patina. It is in wonderful vintage condition, and the luminous has toned very nicely on the dial.
* For interesting reading on the subject see "The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches" by Hess and Dowling.
Original Dial: Signed Oyster Junior Sport Swiss Made. Beautiful Patina to dial. Silvered dial with applied aged Arabic numerals to the quarters along with baton indexes from ‘1’ to ‘11’. 1/5th minute markers to outer chapter ring. Original elegant steel blue hour, minute and seconds hand. The aged patinated dial has marks and tarnishing commensurate with age and wear giving it a beautiful vintage look. Please observe photos.
Original Movement: Signed Rolex under the dial 15 rubies Swiss made. This Cal 59 movement has been fully overhauled by a Rolex specialist watchmaker and running beautifully keeping accurate time.
Original Case: Very clean with a polished finish. Sharp lugs in great condition. Case is 30mm without the crown, 32mm with the crown, and 17mm between the lugs. Case has surface hairline scratches associated with polished stainless steel commensurate with everyday wear and age. Overall good condition for age.
Original Case Back Cover Inner: Signed Oyster Watch Co Geneva Swiss Patented R.W.C LTD (Rolex Watch Company Ltd) 3136. In good condition.
Original Case Back Cover Outer: Fits flush and screws without any issues. Bearing serial number 254817 dating the watch to 1943 on the Rolex date register. Has surface hairline scratches commensurate with age and wear, there are no deep scratches or dents.
Original Crown/Winder: Signed Oyster Patent with ‘Brevet’ cross in relief. Crown sits flush with case and sets/winds smoothly. Overall good condition for age.
Original Crystal: Domed plexiglass in good condition for age.
Strap/Buckle: Has been fitted with a brand new unauthentic aftermarket good quality leather strap and steel buckle.
*Please observe photos carefully as they form part of the description*
Please note this Rolex is over 80 years old. Shipping DHL insured registered post World wide, buyer responsible for any taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at destination port.
Measurements;
Diameter excluding crown: 30mm
Length including lugs: 35.5mm
Depth to centre of crystal: 11mm
Strap width/lug gauge: 17mm
(036)