In the 1940's and 50's, in the midst of their high output of utilitarian sports watches, Rolex also made much more elegant dress watches. These fine wristwatches often combine a superior hand-wound mechanism with beautiful aesthetics.

The elegant and uncommon Rolex Aqua showcased in today's offering is a pleasing example of this phenomenon. It was made exclusively for the Australian movement.

It features very fine styling, a solid gold water-resistant style case, and a well-executed handwound movement. Its faceted claw style lugs give it a fabulous look.

Named the Aqua, it was an unusual model for Rolex and uncharacteristic of them at the time, in that it had a water-resistant style case with a dress style. All of Rolex's Swiss cased watches at the time were either non-waterproof dress watches or featured Oyster cases.

It is fully Rolex and presents in very nice original condition. Its case, made for Rolex by Handley, the company's Aussie contractor, is in excellent condition with only light wear. It is lightly tinted rose in color.

Its dial is original and untouched. It has warmed to a light sepia tone, giving it a true vintage style. It has 1/5 second markings for precision timing for demanding sporting, technical, and professional uses.

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, replacing any overly worn components with genuine Rolex parts, installing a new mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value). Photos of the inside available upon request.

We have also tested the watch on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn. It is keeping time nearly on par with a new Rolex.

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

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

• Manufacturer: Rolex
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Year made: c. 1940's
• Model: Aqua
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Solid 10K gold lightly tinted rose in color
• Case markings (inside): Handley, 10C, 171183
• Case condition: Excellent condition with only light wear.
• Dimensions: 32mm diameter (without crown), 40mm long lug tip-to-tip 
• Dial: Silver, signed Rolex, gold applied Arabic indexes, outer 1/5 second track, original and untouched, warmed to a light sepia tone. Please inquire if you would like it restored
• Hands: Original, luminous filled gold "feuilles"
• Movement type:  Rolex, handwound, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance
• Movement markings: Rolex, Swiss Made, 15 Rubis
• Jewels: 15 rubies
• Band: Brand new vintage styled distressed leather strap with aftermarket Rolex style buckle. We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
• Width between lugs: 18mm
• Crystal: Acrylic, 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, replacing any overly worn components with genuine Rolex parts, installing a new mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value).
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have also tested the watch on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn. It is keeping time nearly on par with a new Rolex.
• 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
• 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