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" likely built during World War I outfitted with the unusual and highly collectible full hunter case. While most early Rolex wristwatches of this type featured open face or demi-hunter designs, this very scarce version mirrors the robust hunter-pocket watch style, protecting the dial completely under a hinged cover.

Built only a few short years after Hans Wilsdorf founded Rolex in 1908, it represents one of the company’s earliest wristwatches made for officers. At 35mm across, its case was oversized for the era and practical for battlefield use, easily readable at a glance. The bold black dial with oversized white luminous numerals and matching luminous cathedral hands reflect its military intent, while the subsidiary seconds at six o’clock provides added precision.

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 its circular case with full hunter's case lid, easy to read porcelain dial with large numerals, and small "onion" winding crown, it clearly showcases its resemblance to a pocket watch.

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.

The centerpiece of the watch when the case is open is its beautiful original porcelain dial with uncommon white on black motif.

Its very early nickel case is in honest condition. It has tarnished with a nice light patina.

Its original dial is in very good condition with one area of wear near 10.

Three of our Master Watchmakers worked for the last four years restoring the movement of this special watch to breathe new life into it. The final servicing was performed by our Master Watchmaker who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center

We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping remarkably accurate time for a watch of its age. The setting parts show some wear as is expected from a watch of this age, but it is very serviceable.

For the finishing touch it comes equipped with a new pig skin strap for its fixed lugs designed to replicate the style of the original 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, and a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

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.

Manufacturer: Rolex
Country of origin: Switzerland
Year built: c. 1910's
Model: Trench style full hunter wristwatch
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Nickel
Case condition: Excellent honest condition with natural patina and light surface wear. Hinges are secure and the lid closes properly.
Dial: Black enamel with white Arabic numerals, signed Rolex, outer railroad minute track, very good condition with one one area of wear near 10
Dimensions: 35mm diameter (excluding crown - 37mm including), 40mm long lug tip-to-tip
Hands: Blued steel / steel with luminous, original
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: Leather with alligator grain, remborde, designed for fixed lug watches, excellent condition
Crystal: Acrylic, vintage, excellent condition.
Serviced: Three of our Master Watchmakers worked for the last four years restoring the movement of this special watch to breathe new life into it. The final servicing was performed by our Master Watchmaker who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
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
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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