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, sweep seconds hand (if possible), and a luminous numbered dial. The RAF pilots won the Battle of Britain wearing these distinguished watches.*
This particular model, the Oyster Junior Sport ref. 2784, was sold only in Canada. They were marketed to Canadian soldiers heading overseas and sold them in PX stores. And unlike some similar watches, the case and crown were full Rolex Oyster models.
This Junior Sport has all its original parts, even its "Oyster Patent" winding crown that still screws down well.
It is in beautiful condition. This case is the rarer variety; having a rounded, convex bezel. It is in excellent condition and clearly retains all of its original stamping.
Its untouched original dial is also in excellent condition and shows far less aging than on most examples. Our photos couldn't begin to do justice to it, especially to the reflective metallic gold ring inside the minutes chapter which catches the light at most angles.
Its caliber 59 movement is signed Rolex (these are signed under the dial rather than on the bridge).
One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and serviced it and replaced any worn parts with genuine Rolex replacement. We have also installed a brand new mineral glass crystal.
For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap and aftermarket Rolex style buckle making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
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 interesting reading on the subject see "The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches" by Hess and Dowling.
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Maker: Rolex
- Model: Oyster Junior Sport, ref. 2784
- Serial no.: 120,483
- Year made: c. 1941
- Designed for: Men or boys originally - now a unisex watch
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Case markings (inside): SAR, Oyster Watch Co., Geneva Swiss, Great Britain Patents 260,554, 1925, 274,788-274,789, Swiss Patents 114,948, 120,848, 120851, 122110, USA Patent 1161232, DRP 471002
- Case markings (outside): 120,483, 2784
- Case condition: Excellent with light wear to the wrench grooves and strong stamping
- Dimensions: 31mm diameter (excluding crown)
- Dial: Silver with black painted Arabic indexes, metallic gold ring, outer minutes division, original and untouched, warmed to a light sepia tone giving it a true vintage look, excellent condition with only light aging
- Hands: All original, blue steel batons
- Movement type: Rolex caliber 59, early shock resistance, manually wound, rhodium-plated, 15 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating flat balance-spring
- Movement markings: Rolex, 175 Rubies, 59
- Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn with aftermarket Rolex style buckle
- Width between lugs: 16mm
- Crystal type: Acrylic, mint condition
- Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Keeping very accurate time. 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.
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- 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
