Today's offering showcases this very rare and cool World War II "boy's size" Rolex Neptune ref. 3478. It is all-original with a fantastic dial.

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.

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" Rolex Oyster with manually wound movement, red sweep seconds hand (if possible), and a luminous numbered dial. The RAF pilots won the Battle of Britain wearing these distinguished watches.*

This particular rare model, the Neptune, was sold only in Canada. They were often intended for servicemen and airmen heading to Europe and the Pacific, and Canadian Oysters were often sold in PX stores. Rolex made sure that the case and crown were full Rolex Oyster models that could withstand rigorous conditions.

Some of the more common similar smaller Canadian market Rolex/Oyster watches were the Pioneer, Royalite, Victory, Firefly, Raleigh, Centregraph, Skyrocket - but Neptunes are exceptionally uncommon. Few Rolex collectors have ever seen one. Much less had the chance to own one.

It has all of its original and is about as honest as they come.

Its Rolex production Oyster case is factory stamped with its serial no. It appears never to have been polished. It shows gold wear and a few fairly light scratches. On the wrist it presents nicely.

Its rare Neptune signed dial, is original and untouched, in excellent condition showing only light aging. And its handwound Rolex movement is running strong and true, keeping very accurate time.

We have been trying to bring some of our long-term movement restoration projects across the finish line. Two of our Master Watchmakers who happen to be brothers worked for four years sympathetically restoring the movement to breathe new life into it again for future generations, and it became a larger project than originally anticipated.

The final servicing was performed by one of the brothers who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker (an $1195 value.) Our loss is your gain.

For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a brand new Italian calfskin strap with aftermarket Rolex style buckle making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

*For interesting reading on the subject see "The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches" by our friend Jeff Hess and James Dowling.

Country of origin: Switzerland, for the Canadian market
Maker: Rolex
Model: Oyster Neptune
Serial no.: 211,883
Year made: c. 1941
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds
Designed for: Men originally - now a unisex watch
Case material: Gold plating with stainless steel back
Case markings (outside): R.W.C. (for Rolex Watch Company), Stainless Steel, 211,883
Case condition: Its Rolex production Oyster case is factory stamped with its serial no. It appears never to have been polished. It shows gold wear and a few fairly light scratches. On the wrist, it presents nicely.
Dimensions: 29mm diameter (excluding crown) by 35mm long lug tip-to-tip
Dial: Silver with luminous Arabic indexes, detailed outer minute/second division, original and untouched, excellent condition with only light aging
Hands: Original, luminous "syringe" batons with blue steel seconds, pleasing condition
Movement type: Rolex caliber 59, manually wound, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating flat balance-spring
Movement markings: Rolex (under dial), Oyster Watch Co., 17 Jewels
Band: Italian calfskin, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn with aftermarket Rolex style buckle
Width between lugs: 16mm
Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
Serviced:  We have been trying to bring some of our long-term movement restoration projects across the finish line. Two of our Master Watchmakers who happen to be brothers worked for four years sympathetically restoring the movement to breathe new life into it again for future generations, and it became a larger project than originally anticipated. The final servicing was performed by one of the brothers who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker (an $1195 value.) Our loss is your gain.
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. And its handwound Rolex movement is running strong and true, keeping very accurate time.
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. As mentioned, one used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
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

X