Rolex Oyster ‘Army’ 1941 WW2 Era Ref 3139 Gents Vintage Watch, 30mm, Dial Patina

Description: Gents 1941 WW2 era Rolex Oyster Army watch, manual Model Reference 3139. Original dial has wonderful patina featuring unique lume filled Arabic numerals to the quarters (Explorer style) along with baton indexes to the rest of the dial, powered by the 15 jewelled Rolex calibre 700 housed in a 30mm steel Oyster cushion case, retains original Oyster Patent crown - Serviced by a Rolex specialist watchmaker with no issues to report, ready to enjoy! It's safe to say that we have a special fondness for military watches. During World War II, watch companies rushed to equip timepieces to the Axis and Allied forces. The "Dirty Dozen," which were designed and supplied to British troops according to Ministry of Defense specifications, have attained a kind of sacred status among military watch collectors. Collectors of World War II-era pilot's watches are familiar with the A-11 and its Axis counterpart, the B-Uhren. All of these watches, with their black dials and luminous hands, are a familiar sight to those in the know. But Rolex -- which was then known primarily for their dress timepieces -- was not to be outdone by their competitors; Rolex supplied over 3000 watches to the Allied troops during the war. The reference 3139 is perhaps the most famous -- and mythical -- of these. In constructing the ref. 3139, Rolex pulled out all the stops. They used their patented Oyster case, then not even two decades old. The cushion-shaped case, similar to the Rolex bubble-back watches of the period, protected the watch from the dust and moisture that the soldier who wore it would encounter in the field. It's unusual to see a case that's in as good a condition as this one is: the lugs are sharp, and there are traces of the brush finishing that the watch must have borne when it rolled off the assembly line. Another unusual feature is the color of the dial: a salmon hue that has gained an even patina over time. Most of these watches have unfortunately been lost to the ages, or have undergone such changes--new dials, new case backs or crowns--that they're almost unworthy of the moniker "Rolex Army." But this one bears the name proudly, as a relic of the conflict that birthed it. The size of the case at 30mm, which is small as it was designed to provide maximum comfort to the soldiers in action and is in keeping with men's watches of the period. The Original Dial: Silvered dial has patina giving the watch vintage charm.. Rolex Oyster Swiss Made signature to dial with the crown sitting proudly at ‘12’. whilst the silvered effect dial subtly exudes a class you can only find on a watch of this stature. Unique aged lume filled Arabic numerals and baton indexes set the dial beautifully with outer chapter ring having applied minute indices. Original blue steel lume filled ‘Baton’ hands with a fully functional auxiliary dial at ‘6’ o clock. Dial has marks and foxing all over commensurate with age and wear. Please observe photos. The Original Case: 30mm (without crown), Steel polished case with a smooth chamfered fixed bezel and down turned lugs. The lugs remain sharp and characteristic showcasing the quality of Rolex’s reputation of making long lasting and iconic wristwatches. The condition of the case is solid and retains all the key attributes that makes this reference Rolex so desirable and proves to be a timeless piece of design and quality. The case has surface scratches commensurate with age and wear, please observe photos. The Original Crystal: Good condition. The Original Case Back Cover Outer: Screw back steel case fits flush without any issues. Signed with the Rolex coronet serial numbered 10627 dating the watch to 1941 on the Rolex date register, numbered 3139. Has surface scratches commensurate with age and wear associated with base metals. Please see photos. The Original Case Back Cover Inner: Signed Oyster Watch Company Geneva - Swiss Great Britain Patents Swiss Patents French Patents U.S.A Patents German Patents SAR. In good condition. The Original Movement: Signed Rolex 15 Rubis Swiss Made. Rolex manually wound calibre 700 lever escapement, 15 jewels movement. In good working order running superbly keeping accurate time. Serviced by Rolex specialist. The Original Crown: Signed Oyster Patent with Brevet cross in relief. In good functional order. very smooth when winding. Aftermarket Strap/Band Buckle: Recently fitted good quality aftermarket leather brown contrast stitching strap and steel buckle. *Please observe photos carefully as they form part of the description* Please note this Rolex is over 79 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. Additional information; Maker: Rolex Model: Oyster (ARMY) Material: Steel Dimensions: 30mm diameter excluding crown Strap Band: After Market Leather Lug Width: 16mm Box/Papers: No Case: Steel Crown: Oyster Patent + Brevet Signed Crown. Original Dial: Silver Crystal: Plexi. Technical specifications Winding: Manual. Movement type: Precision Manual. Calibre: Rolex Calibre 700 Jewels: 15 Condition: Vintage condition. Model Reference Number: 3139 Date of issue: 1941 Rolex offered Oyster watches from the early 1920’s to the late 1970s, with several different dials and movements. The Rolex Oyster 3139 is one of the few Rolex watches equipped with a hand-wound mechanical movement. Rolex watches not only became the watches worn by the most influential people, they were also put to the test in the most extreme situations. Sir Malcolm Campbell wore one while breaking land speed records in Bluebell in 1935, as did the first pilot to break the sound barrier in 1947. (137)

Price: 2950 GBP

Location: Birmingham

End Time: 2024-12-15T09:51:31.000Z

Shipping Cost: 63.41 GBP