Description: A rare opportunity to acquire this Rolex Oyster Chronometer 1941 WW2 era. Reference 2574 is a handsome vintage mid-sized steel manually wound wristwatch resting its original dial. 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. Please note the case size is small compared to modern Rolex watches - The smaller case size watches were designed by watchmakers to give maximum comfort to servicemen during the war. 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, sub 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 Oyster Chronometer ref. 2574 is a rare variant and was top of the range featuring an 18 Jewel chronometer Superbalance movement as oppose to the standard 15 jewel movement as seen in most similar Rolexes of the period. Its original dial shows ageing and marks with beautiful patina. It is in wonderful vintage condition, and the lume has toned very nicely on the dial. * For interesting reading on the subject see "The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches" by Hess and Dowling. Original Dial: Signed Rolex Oyster Chronometer. Beautiful Patina to dial. Silvered dial with applied aged luminous Arabic numerals. Minute markers to outer chapter ring. Luminous inserts to the elegant steel blue dauphine hands which contrast well with the sub seconds hand. The aged patinated Dial has marks commensurate with age and wear giving it a vintage look. Hands are in good condition. Please observe photographs. Original Movement: Signed Rolex Oyster Chronometer 18 Jewels Swiss Made Patented Superbalance. The Rolex 18 jewel chronometer Superbalance movement is a high-quality watch movement known for its precision and accuracy. The 18 jewels, which help to reduce friction and increase the accuracy of the watch. Additionally, the Superbalance feature of the movement helps to further improve accuracy by compensating for changes in temperature and position. Some notable features of the Rolex 18 jewel chronometer Superbalance movement include: * Timed to 6 positions for increased accuracy* Chronometer certification (not included), indicating that the movement has undergone rigorous testing for accuracy * Very high-grade 18 jewels, which help to ensure smooth operation and long-lasting performance * Superbalance feature, which helps to compensate for changes in temperature and position. Overall, the Rolex 18 jewel chronometer Superbalance movement is a highly sought-after by collectors. The movement has a reputation for its accuracy, reliability, and quality. Has been fully overhauled by a Rolex specialist watchmaker and in good running order, keeping accurate time. Original Case: Very clean with a polished finish. Sharp lugs in great condition. Case is 29mm without the crown, 31mm with the crown, and 16mm 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 Oyster Watch Co Geneva Swiss Great Britain Patents Swiss Patents U.S.A Patents German Patents. Period service markers present. In good condition. Original Case Back Cover Outer: Bearing reference 2574 and serial number 116868 dating the watch to 1941 on the Rolex date register. Has surface hairline scratches commensurate with age and wear. Original Crown/Winder: Signed Oyster Patent - signature has worn over the years however still visible. Crown sits flush with case and sets/winds smoothly. Overall good condition for age. 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 photographs 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: 10mm Strap width/lug gauge: 16mm
Price: 1650 GBP
Location: Birmingham
End Time: 2024-12-07T22:31:36.000Z
Shipping Cost: 63.55 GBP
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return postage will be paid by: Buyer
Returns Accepted: Returns Accepted
After receiving the item, your buyer should cancel the purchase within: 30 days
Strap Material: Leather
Closure: Buckle
Max Wrist Size: 21.1-22 cm
Strap Colour: Brown
Number of Jewels: 18 Jewels
Dial Pattern: Patina
Indices: Arabic Numerals
Dial Colour: Silver
Year Manufactured: 1941
Customised: No
Strap Width: 16 mm
Band/Strap: Two-Piece Strap
Vintage: Yes
Case Thickness: 9 mm
Department: Men, Boys, Unisex Adults
Case Colour: Silver
Caseback: Screwback
Bezel Type: Fixed
Lug Width: 16 mm
Watch Shape: Oval
Style: Military
Features: 12-Hour Dial, Acrylic Crystal, Subsidiary Seconds Dial
Case Size: 29mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bezel Colour: Silver
Handmade: Yes
Movement: Mechanical (Manual)
Water Resistance: No Due To Age
Seller Warranty: No
With Papers: No
Reference Number: 2574
Brand: Rolex
Type: Wristwatch
Model: Oyster Chronometer
With Original Box/Packaging: No
Case Finish: Polished
With Manual/Booklet: No
Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland
Display: Analogue