Today's offering showcases this very cool and historically significant Rolex pocket watch specially made for the British military during the World War II era.

Marked with the military case number B8454, it was built to serve in active duty under the harsh conditions of wartime Europe. Imagine the history this watch has witnessed: tucked in the tunic pocket of a British officer, or carried aboard a naval vessel during wartime operations across Europe. As both a precision instrument and a military artifact, it holds a quiet gravity - and a story it will never fully tell.

During World War II, as Britain mobilized its forces for global conflict, the need for precise and durable timepieces became critical. To equip its servicemen—from pilots and navigators to infantry officers—the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) commissioned wristwatches and pocket watches built to their exacting military standards. These timepieces were designated and tracked using a now-historic symbol: the Broad Arrow.

The Broad Arrow, a stylized arrowhead pointing upward, has deep roots in British history. Originally used as a royal property mark as far back as the 16th century, it became the official stamp of the War Department. When engraved on a timepiece, the Broad Arrow denoted that the watch was government property—purpose-built and issued specifically for military use.

These watches weren’t just government-issued—they were engineered for the battlefield. The Ministry set strict specifications for water resistance, shock protection, dial legibility, and accuracy. Watches bearing the Broad Arrow had to meet these rigorous standards, making them some of the most reliable instruments of their era. They were tools of survival, not fashion—built to function in the demanding conditions of air, land, and sea warfare.

Among the most respected of these were Rolex’s military-issue watches, including wristwatches and pocket watches. Rolex was already renowned for precision and durability, and their military-issued timepieces quickly became prized by the men who depended on them. Many of these Rolexes were not marked on the dial but bore military engravings on the case back—including the Broad Arrow, military codes, and issue numbers.

For collectors, Broad Arrow watches are more than rare artifacts—they are tangible links to the personal histories of soldiers and the broader story of WWII. Most were worn by someone who served on the front lines of history. Their rugged construction and purposeful design reflect the era’s gravitas, while their provenance gives them significance in our planet's story of human history.

Our all-original Broad Arrow Rolex measures a substantial 52mm in diameter and features a thick nickel case which was distinctively designed to *not* have a bow, a highly legible white enamel dial with easy-to-read Arabic numerals, and a subsidiary seconds register for precision timing. The outside of the caseback is engraved with the official British broad arrow, denoting government property, and the military number, B8454.

Inside is the reliable 15-jewel Rolex caliber 548 manual movement designed for durability and consistent performance, a necessity for officers and naval personnel who relied on accurate timekeeping for critical mission coordination.

We are pleased to offer it in very well-preserved all-original condition.

Its case, which appears never to have been polished, is in excellent condition. Its military number is also strongly stamped on the outer case band. Please inquire if you would like a photo.

Its white enamel dial is original and untouched is in gorgeous condition - appears mint even under magnification. And its fine, Rolex movement is very clean.

One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, installing a new mainspring, re-pinning the regulator stud for pendant carry, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value). It is keeping accurate time.

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

Like certain other very rare and early Rolex watches, we think these Broad Arrow watches remain undervalued. At a time when the value of the Rolex crown continues to outpace that of most other watches, these uncommon watches with significant military provenance remain remarkably affordable - more affordable than even an entry level 1960's Rolex wristwatch like the Oysterdate which was made in the hundreds of thousands of units.

Whether you're a Rolex collector or someone passionate about World War II-era militaria, this cool British military issued Rolex represents a rare intersection of horology, history, and heritage.

Manufacturer: Rolex
Country of origin: Switzerland
Year sold: c. World War II era
Case marking: B 8454
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Nickel
Case condition: Appears never to have been polished, is in excellent condition
Dimensions: 52mm diameter
Dial: White enamel, signed Rolex, black Arabic numerals with outer railroad-style minute track, sunken sub-seconds dial at 6 o'clock, original and untouched in gorgeous condition - appears mint even under magnification
Hands: Original, blue steel "spades"
Movement type: cal. 548 
Jewels: 15 rubies
Crystal type: Mineral glass, excellent condition
Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, installing a new mainspring, re-pinning the regulator stud for pendant carry, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (an $795 value).
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. 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 extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; Also accompanying the watch is a very cool original Rolex for Bucherer spoon to showcase close relationship between the two companies.
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide

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