Description
This is a very rare WW1-era 1917 vintage Rolex sterling-silver, half-hunter, hinged case watch measuring a large 35mm and looking incredible! The wire-lug case is all properly signed “Rolex”. The sterling-silver case with enamel-inset numerals has survived amazingly well; remaining in fabulous condition. This is a very rare Rolex case, having the early Rolex Oyster screw-back; possibly the first time it appears on any Rolex. Notice the military markings on the case-rear as well. The original Rolex onion-winding crown is still present. This dial is spectacular; porcelain, with deep lume and original hands, all pristine. Owners often (improperly) add the word “Rolex” to these early trench watches, as they were usually unmarked. The manual winding and signed Rolex movement was just serviced and is very accurate. My watchmaker tells me there is minimal wear in this movement and likely this watch was barely worn. We had a custom Bund-style band made for this watch. Interestingly, a local Londoner just researched the Regiment number and discovered this watch was owned by Cp. William John Kernick from London, Ontario, who was a solidier in the Canadian Expeditionary Force; drafted under the military service act in 1917. He enlisted in 1918 and served with the 1st. Depot Batallion, Western Ontario Regiment. This is truly a very rare and important military and historical find.
