In the first decade after the turn of the twentieth century when someone referred to a gentleman's watch they most often meant one object - a large, timing instrument kept in the pocket. That changed in part because of Hans Wilsdorf, a true legend in timekeeping history, who founded Rolex Watch Co. in 1908. When the first World War erupted, demand rose sharply for these novel watches as Allied servicemen needed a more suitable way to a access their vital timepieces.

Today's offering showcases this rare Rolex "trench watch" built during World War I. Incredibly cool and very pleasingly rare, its unusual case has both a screwed back and bezel, similar to the Oyster case invented later, rather than the usual snap back and bezel.

We believe these more than a century old Rolex are underappreciated: At a time when Rolex values are climbing finding an original one of these is very difficult, their military style is exceedingly cool, and they are one of the first Rolex wristwatches made, yet they often sell for less than a ubiquitous 70's Oysterdate.

Often referred to as a Trench Watch, watches like this one enabled an officer to coordinate his men's activities with precision with just a glance at his wrist. With it's circular case, easy to read porcelain dial with large numerals, and large "onion" winding crown, it clearly showcases its resemblance to a pocket watch.

The centerpiece of the watch is its beautiful original porcelain dial with black Roman numerals and distinctive red 12.

Its wonderful original blued steel hands are really striking when the light reflects off the blue steel at the right angle. They retain their original strong blue tone.

Originally designed for men and mid-sized by today's standard, it is well-suited to someone with small wrist.

Its very early, silver screwed down case is fully signed and in excellent condition. It has tarnished to a beautiful deep grey color, so we have left it on for the sale.

Its untouched dial is in honest original condition with one small spot of wear near center posts and three very light hairlines. Its original, signed Rolex Rebberg "hunter" movement is running very true.

One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. Photos of the inside available upon request.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new oil tanned leather strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year international warranty on the movement and its function and a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy a historical vintage Rolex.

• Manufacturer: Rolex
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Year built: 1918
• Model: Trench Style Watch
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Sterling silver
• Case markings (inside): W & D (for Wilsdorf and Davis, the two founders of Rolex), Swiss, Rolex signature, silver content, silver hallmarks
• Case markings (outside): Rolex factory stamped "Front and Back Screw On"
• Case condition: Excellent with light wear. We have left the beautiful patina on the case.
• Dimensions: 30mm diameter (excluding crown - 35mm including), 40mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: White enamel with black painted Arabic numerals with a red 12, sunken seconds dial, outer railroad minute track signed Rolex, very good honest condition with one small spot of wear near center post and three very light hairlines
• Hands: Original, blued steel "spades"
• Movement type: Fine Swiss quality, Rolex Rebberg hunter, signed Rolex, decorated with pearling, 15 jewels, index regulator
• Movement markings: Rolex, Swiss Made, 15 Jewels
• Jewels: 15 rubies
• Band: Oil tanned leather, fully stitched, padded, designed for fixed lug watches, brand new and unworn
• Crystal: Mineral glass, vintage, mint condition
• Serviced: Yes, one of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
• Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Keeping time within 1 and 1.5 seconds fast per hour on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn on the wrist. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of four watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee