A rare opportunity to acquire this Rolex Oyster Junior Sport 1941 WW2 era. Reference 2784 is a handsome vintage mid-sized steel manually wound wristwatch. The significantly small case size on this time piece measuring 30mm was designed to give maximum comfort to soldiers in combat during the War. Recently overhauled by a master horologist, in excellent running order keeping accurate time ready to treasure and enjoy!
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" Oyster’s with manually wound movement, auxiliary seconds hand and a luminous numbered dial. The RAF pilots won the Battle of Britain wearing these type of distinguished watches.*
This particular model, the Oyster Junior Sport ref. 2784 was sold only in North America. They were marketed to Canadian soldiers heading overseas and sold them in PX stores..
Its original dial shows ageing albeit carries beautiful patina. It is in wonderful vintage condition, and the luminous has toned very nicely on the dial. The lume filled hands appear to have been relumed at some point.
* For interesting reading on the subject see "The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches" by Hess and Dowling.
Original Dial: Signed Oyster Junior Sport Swiss Made. Beautiful Patina to dial. Silvered contrast dial with applied aged luminous Arabic numerals. Minute markers to outer chapter ring. Luminous inserts to the elegant steel blue hands which contrast well with the sub seconds hand. The aged patinated Dial has marks commensurate with age and wear giving it vintage charm. Please observe photographs carefully.
Original Movement: Signed Rolex under the dial (See photo) 15 rubies Swiss made. This Cal 59 movement has been fully overhauled by a Rolex specialist watchmaker and running beautifully keeping accurate time.
Original Case: Very clean with a polished finish. Sharp lugs in great condition. Case is 30mm without the crown, 32mm with the crown, and 17mm between the lugs. Case has surface hairline scratches associated with polished stainless steel commensurate with everyday wear and age. Overall good condition for age.
Original Case Back Cover Inner: Signed Oyster Watch Co GENEVA SWISS GREAT BRITAIN PATENTS 060554/1925 274788 - 274709 SWISS PATENTS 114940 120848 120851 122110 U.S.A. PATENT 1 661232 D.R.P 471002. In good condition.
Original Case Back Cover Outer: Fits flush and screws without any issues. Bearing serial number 137364 dating the watch to 1941 on the Rolex date register, furthermore the reference 2784 is also present. Has surface hairline scratches commensurate with age and wear.
Original Crown/Winder: Signed Oyster Patent with Brevet cross in relief. Screw down crown sits flush with case and sets/winds smoothly. Overall good functioning order. Has signs of wear commensurate with age.
Original Crystal: Domed plexiglass in good condition for age.
Strap/Buckle: Has been fitted with a brand new unauthentic aftermarket good quality leather strap and steel buckle.
*Please observe photos carefully as they form part of the description*
Please note this Rolex is over 80 years old. Shipping DHL insured registered post World wide, buyer responsible for any taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at destination port.
Measurements;
Diameter excluding crown: 30mm
Length including lugs: 35.5mm
Depth to centre of crystal: 11mm
Strap width/lug gauge: 17mm
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