A rare opportunity to acquire this WW2 Era Circa 1943 Rolex Oyster Solar Aqua. This collectors time piece is a handsome vintage mid-sized (small) steel manually wound wristwatch. These watches were small in case size, were designed to provide maximum ease and comfort during combat in the War. Recently overhauled by a master horologist, in excellent running order keeping good 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 luminous numbered dial. The RAF pilots won the Battle of Britain wearing these type of distinguished watches.*
This particular rare model, the Solar Aqua, was sold only in Canada, often at PX stores, and they were intended for servicemen and airmen heading to Europe and the Pacific. While some of the similar styles had contract cases made in the Canada, this watch is a true all-Swiss factory Rolex creation.
Some of the more common similar smaller Canadian market Rolex/Oyster watches were the Pioneer, Royalite, Lincoln, Firefly, Raleigh, Victory, Centregraph, Skyrocket - but Solar Aqua watches are very rare.
It has a striking and desirable original "military" dial. Its caliber 59 Rolex movement with early shock resistance is signed Rolex (these are signed under the dial rather than on the bridge).
Its original dial shows ageing with patina. It is in vintage condition, and the luminous including some numerals have worn on the dial.
* For interesting reading on the subject see "The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches" by Hess and Dowling.
Original Dial: Signed Solar Aqua Antimagnetic Swiss Made. Patina to dial. Silvered dial with applied aged Arabic numerals. 60 minute track with minute markers to outer chapter ring 1/5th scale. 24 hr red numerals to inner dial. Luminous inserts to the elegant steel blue hands which contrast well with the rest of the dial. The aged patinated dial has marks all over with tarnishing commensurate with age and wear giving it a lovely vintage feel. Lume has mostly perished especially on the Arabic numerals. Hands have patina commensurate with age and wear. Please observe photographs carefully.
Original Movement: Signed Rolex under the dial. 17 rubies Swiss made. This Cal 59 movement has been fully overhauled by a Rolex specialist watchmaker and running well keeping good time.
Original Case: Steel gold plated case is clean with a polished finish. Case is 29mm without the crown, 31mm with the crown, and 17mm between the lugs. Has scratches all over commensurate with age and wear associated with base metals. Overall the case is in solid condition for age. Please observe photos carefully.
Original Case Back Cover Inner: Signed Oyster Watch Company Patented In All Countries R.W.C Ltd (Rolex Watch Company Ltd) 2784. In good condition.
Original Case Back Cover Outer: Fits flush and screws without any issues. Serial numbered 263687 dating the watch to 1943 on the Rolex date register. Has surface hairline scratches commensurate with age and wear, there are no dents.
Original Crown/Winder: Signed Oyster Patent. Overall solid condition for age adjusts/winds correctly and in good functional order. Some small indentations which don’t effect usability.
Original Crystal: Domed plexiglass in good condition for age.
Buckle/Aftermarket Strap: New unauthentic aftermarket good quality leather strap fitted to a aftermarket gold plated 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: 29mm
Length including lugs: 34.5mm
Depth to centre of crystal: 11mm
Strap width/lug gauge: 17mm
(087)