A rare opportunity to acquire this Rolex Oyster 1942 WW2 era. Reference 3980 is a handsome vintage mid-sized steel manually wound wristwatch. This smaller oyster case size was designed for maximum comfort during combat. 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 luminous numbered dial. *The RAF pilots won the Battle of Britain wearing these type of distinguished watches.*
This particular model, the Rolex Oyster ref. 3980 was sold in P/X stores to soldiers heading overseas
Its original dial shows aging with beautiful patina. It is in wonderful vintage condition, and the luminous has toned very nicely on the dial and on the hands well.
* For interesting reading on the subject see "The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches" by Hess and Dowling.
Original Dial: Signed Rolex Oyster. Silvered dial with applied aged luminous Arabic numerals. Markers to 1/5th of a minute to outer chapter ring. Luminous inserts to the elegant steel blue hands which contrast well with the blue steel seconds hand. The aged patinated Dial has marks and peeling to number ‘2’ commensurate with age and wear giving it a lovely vintage look. Hands have patina commensurate with age and wear. Please observe photographs carefully.
Original Movement: The Original Movement: This watch carries its original high-grade Rolex Calibre 10.5 hunter calibre 710, 15 Jewel movement. The movement has been fully serviced by a vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker and is in superb running order. The movement is signed ‘Rolex 15 Rubies Swiss Made’. These movements are strong, accurate which is what Rolex’s reputation was built on, very reliable making this watch perfectly suited for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in top notch condition and with regular servicing, say every 3 – 4 years, one would expect this watch to run happily for many more decades to come!
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 Brevetee Rolex S.A Geneve - Suisse 31 Victories Haute Precision SAR 3980. In good condition.
Original Case Back Cover Outer: Milled edge steel case back fits flush and screws without any issues. Bearing reference serial number 222792 dating the watch to 1942 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 Rolex Oyster. Screw back crown sits flush with case. In good functioning order.
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 pics 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
(015)