Original 1917 ROLEX Sterling Silver Wire Lug Hinged Case 15j Rebberg WWI Watch

Of all the watches that I collect and sell, this is perhaps the only firm that needs little introductionhaving built its business over the last century on high quality, innovation and style. Of Switzerland, founded by Hans Wilsdorf and his brother in law Alfred Davis, would first establish his business in England (1908) before settling in Switzerland. By 1919, Wilsdorf had established the Manufacture des Montres Rolex , at a time when the movements were crafted in Bienne and the watches were hand-finished in Geneva.

On average, more than 200 technicians are involved in producing a single Rolex wristwatch, quite remarkable. This double-hinged case watch is in excellent original order, a smaller 10-1/2 ligne mens or Boys Size model also well suited for a womans wrist by todays standards.

And yes, no Rolex name on the dial, as was very common for early Rolex models being imported into Great Britain they often had private label names added by the jeweler, i. Its sterling silver case measures 35mm lug tip to lug tip and 29.6mm in width (32.2mm with original silver Onion-style crown). This works out to be 1-3/8 inches long by 1-3/16 inches wide, not including the crown. It is fitted on a Kitchener style WWI design with a center strap and wider pad, able to fit a wrist up to 8 inches. The 100% original white porcelain enamel dial is in excellent condition, one faint hairline but no wear or chips, very fine.

It It features a 60 minute outer chapter, black Roman numerals (including the RED XII), original blue steel Breguet style Moon-tip hands and a separate seconds dial with 60 second outer track and original sweep blue steel seconds hand. The acrylic crystal is in excellent shape, a new addition. The three-piece, double-hinged case is.

925 Sterling Silver and is endorsed with both the Wilsdorf & Davis sponsor stamp (W&D) and ROLEX stamp. This case is in excellent condition with secure hinges in excellent shape. The solid wire lugs (that accommodate up to a 12mm strap) are solid and secure as well, never repaired or restored. The original and matching Onion-style winding crown is excellent as well, operating smoothly.

Turning the watch over, I note that the sterling silver back lid is immaculate with no wear or engravings. Peeking inside I find a cleaned and serviced original manual wind mechanism that is signed ROLEX, 15 JEWELS SWISS MADE. This is a 10-1/2 ligne Aegler Rebberg mechanism, identical to its larger 13 ligne sibling found in full size mens trench watches.

The inside of the case back is stamped W&D, ROLEX. 925, U b SWISS 673,318 -1.

The sponsor initials W&D stand for Wilsdorf & Davis while the letter b is the London date letter for 1917. This fully serviced Rolex beauty winds and sets smoothly while keeping very good time. It is fitted on the aforementioned new but Kitchener style WWI design strap that provides added presence on your wrist while also making the watch extra secure on the strap. It will fit a wrist up to 8 inches but if you have a small wrist or are a woman I can find something more low key in design instead for you (no extra charge). All in all a superb example of a very desirable and truly SCARCE model I cant recall when I last had a WWI era Rolex watch like this.

Watch sizes: I provide exact case measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U. Quarter in one photo as a size reference. Draw the measurements on a piece of paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, mens vintage watches are noticeably smaller than oversized timepieces you see today. Prefer a brown strap instead of black? For most mens watches I can switch the color before mailing; just let me know. These charges are your responsibility. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you. If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add me as one of your favorite sellers.

I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s to 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies cocktail watches. Need accessories for your watch?

Our sister store, Holben's Fine Watch Bands. Offers an extensive selection of sport, military and dress straps, buckles, deployment clasps and other wristwatch accessories from European and American manufacturers. Let us know if you have any questions! The item "Original 1917 ROLEX Sterling Silver Wire Lug Hinged Case 15j Rebberg WWI Watch" is in sale since Wednesday, August 10, 2016.

This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Watches, Parts & Accessories\Wristwatches". The seller is "holbensfinewatches" and is located in Bainbridge Island, Washington. This item can be shipped worldwide.

Brand: Rolex
Gender: Unisex
MPN: Does Not Apply
Features: Watchmaker Serviced
Movement: Mechanical (Hand-winding)
Display: Analog
Watch Shape: Round
Case Color: Silver
Case Finish: Polished
Face Color: Silver
Band Material: Genuine Leather
Band Color: Black
Lug Width: 10mm
Style: Dress/Formal
Age Group: Adult
Model: Wire Lug
Year of Manufacture: Pre-1920
Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland
Case Material: Sterling Silver
Water Resistance Rating: Not Water Resistant
Age: 1917