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.1942. The watch presents very nicely on the wrist with some spots of wear to the grooves on the case back, which can't be seen when the watch is worn.
Our Master Watchmaker has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $545 value).
Included with the purchase is a one-year international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity and timing certificate.
*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
- Year built: c. 1942
- Designed for: Originally men - a small unisex size by today's standards
- 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): Stainless Steel, R.W.C, 228834
- Case condition: Excellent condition with wrench wear to grooves on case back from previous opening as is often the case with these early Oysters
- Dimensions: 30mm diameter (excluding crown), 35mm long lug tip-to-tip
- Dial: White with luminous mixed Arabic and dart indexes, outer minute/second division, vintage restoration
- Hands: Original, blue steel luminous "Mercedes", 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: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
- Width between lugs: 17mm
- Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
- Serviced: Yes, fully serviced by our Master Watchmaker (a $545 value). If you would like more information on our watchmaking team please visit:
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system.
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] 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 experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty 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; New timing certificate
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
