For decades, Rolex watches have been the benchmark for high-grade timepieces, setting the bar through their precision timekeeping, durability, and prestige. Worn by CEO's, professional athletes, and actors, these watches are regarded among the finest watches money can buy.

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.*

Today's offering features one of these Oysters from c.1944.

Its case presents very nicely on the wrist. It has one spot of wear to the grooves on the case back from prior opening, which can't be seen when the watch is worn. Otherwise, it is in excellent condition with very light remnants of wear and only light signs of previous polishing.

Its untouched original dial is honest with even aging.

We have been trying to bring a few of our long-term movement restoration projects across the finish line. Five of our Master Watchmakers have worked for over 12 years sympathetically restoring the movement of the watch to breathe new life into it again for future generations. It became a much bigger project than originally anticipated and included a new balance staff and custom fabricating a new clutch wheel to the original factory functional and finishing quality (a $2495 total restoration value.) Our loss is your gain.

The final servicing was performed by one of our Master Watchmakers 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 very accurate time.

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.

*For further reading on the subject see "The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches" by Hess and Dowling.

Country of origin: Switzerland
Maker: Rolex
Model: Ref. 4220, Oyster Speedking
Serial no.: 294,234
Year built: c. 1944
Designed for: Originally men - a small unisex size by today's standards
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds
Case material: Stainless steel
Case markings (inside): Rolex S.A, Geneve Suisse, 31 Victories, Brevetee Haute Precision, R.W.C Ltd, 4220
Case markings (outside): 294,234
Case condition: Its case presents very nicely on the wrist. It has one spot of wear to the grooves on the case back from prior opening, which can't be seen when the watch is worn.
Dimensions: 30mm diameter (excluding crown), 35mm long lug tip-to-tip
Dial: Silver with luminous Arabic indexes, signed Rolex Oyster Speedking, outer minute/second division, honest original and untouched condition
Hands: Original, blue steel luminous "batons", red sweep hand
Movement type: 9 3/4 "' manually wound, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring
Movement Markings: Rolex Geneva Swiss, Seventeen Jewels, Adjusted 2 positions, Patented, Superbalance
Band: Teju lizard, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn with aftermarket Rolex style buckle
Width between lugs: 17mm
Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
Serviced: We have been trying to bring a few of our long-term movement restoration projects across the finish line. Five of our Master Watchmakers have worked for over 12 years sympathetically restoring the movement of the watch to breathe new life into it again for future generations. It became a much bigger project than originally anticipated and included a new balance staff and custom fabricating a new clutch wheel to the original factory functional and finishing quality (a $2495 total restoration value.) Our loss is your gain. The final servicing was performed by one of our Master Watchmakers who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is 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
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