A rare opportunity to acquire this WW2 Era Circa 1943 Rolex Oyster Solar - Aqua. This collectors time piece is a handsome vintage mid-sized (small) steel manually wound wristwatch. The case back is beautifully inscribed: “To R. Franklin from the staff of the F.G. Hotel 1943”. This evocative dedication suggests the watch was gifted to a Mr. R. Franklin, most likely a serving soldier during the Second World War. By 1943, many hotels across Britain, North America and Europe had been requisitioned for military use—either as billets, administrative centres, or convalescent homes for wounded servicemen. It’s therefore highly plausible that the ‘F.G. Hotel’ played a role in the war effort, and this watch was presented as a token of appreciation or farewell from the staff, perhaps on the occasion of Mr. Franklin’s redeployment or demobilisation.
Such wartime inscriptions not only add sentimental value but also offer a poignant glimpse into the personal stories woven into the broader fabric of history. These watches were small in case size, were designed to provide maximum ease and comfort during combat in the War. Overhauled by a master horologist, in excellent running order keeping good 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, sub seconds dial and a luminous numbered dial. The RAF pilots won the Battle of Britain wearing these type of distinguished watches.*
This particular rare model, the Solar Aqua, was sold only in Canada, often at PX stores, and they were intended for servicemen and airmen heading to Europe and the Pacific. While some of the similar styles had contract cases made in the Canada, this watch is a true all-Swiss factory Rolex creation.
Some of the more common similar smaller Canadian market Rolex/Oyster watches were the Royalite, Lincoln, Firefly, Pioneer, Victory, Centregraph, Skyrocket, Raleigh, Lipton - but Solar - Aqua watches are very very rare.
It has a striking and desirable original "military" dial. Its caliber 59, 17 Jewelled movement is signed Rolex (these are signed under the dial movement backside rather than on the bridge).
Its original dial shows ageing with patina. It is in vintage condition, and the luminous has worn on the dial.
* For interesting reading on the subject see "The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches" by Hess and Dowling.
Original Dial: Signed Oyster Solar - Aqua Antimagnetic Swiss Made. Silvered dial has tropical patina with applied aged luminous Arabic numerals. 60 minute track with minute markers. 13 - 24 hr red numerals to inner dial. Luminous inserts to the elegant steel blue hands. Sub seconds dial at 6 o clock in good order - The handset contrasts well with the rest of the dial. The aged patinated dial has marks all over with soiling commensurate with age and wear giving it a lovely vintage feel. Lume has aged and partially perished especially on the Arabic numerals. Steel blue pointed baton hands have patina commensurate with age and wear. Please observe photographs carefully.
Original Movement: Signed Rolex under the dial (see images). 17 Jewels Swiss made. This Cal 59 movement has been fully overhauled by a Rolex specialist watchmaker and running well keeping good time.
Original Case: Steel case is clean with a polished finish. Case is 30mm without the crown, 32mm with the crown, and 16mm between the lugs. Has scratches all over commensurate with age and wear associated with Stainless steel metals. Overall the case is in solid condition for age. Please observe photos carefully.
Original Case Back Cover Inner: Signed OYSTER WATCH CO GENEVA - SWISS PATENTED IN ALL COUNTRIES - In good condition.
Original Case Back Cover Outer: Milled edge cover fits flush and screws without any issues. Serial numbered 179**** dating the watch to 1942 on the Rolex date register. Has surface hairline scratches commensurate with age and wear.
Crown/Winder: Unsigned screw down crown possibly a later generic service replacement. Overall solid condition for age adjusts/winds correctly and in good functional order.
Original Crystal: Domed plexiglass in good condition for age.
Buckle/Aftermarket Strap: New unauthentic aftermarket good quality leather strap fitted to a aftermarket 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: 39.4mm
Depth to centre of crystal: 11mm
Strap width/lug gauge: 16mm
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