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FeelingTheBlues · 8 April 2013, 09:16 PM

Greetings TRF,

Here's a little watch I bought last week from our good friend Al, also known as Alcan, and that I received last Friday. I am very excited since it is what I'd like to call quite an original watch...

This watch is a 1942 Rolex. It is rather hard to tell by looking at the very small case and the dial since you cannot find any brand name on it, the Breguet hands and arabic numerals are not very good hints of who made this timepiece...

The dial has quite a lot of patina on it (although it does look very dark because the crystal is also rather aged as well) but the markers are still visible. As for the hands, they are still in quite a good shape for their age, the blue'd steel didn't fade too much.

The hallmarks and brand names can only be seen when you open that small mechanical beauty, the most obvious ones are the Rolex name, the Wilsdorf & Davis stamp and the sterling silver hallmark.

And when you take a look at the movement...

I really like the perlage on the bridges, it has always been a finishing pattern that that I liked!

Notice how the cock bridge also has some etched finishing on it, not quite like A. Lange & Söhne but a good effort nonetheless...

The case is, as stated above, very small! 27mm x 26mm would make it almost impossible to wear for a big man but my small self doesn't really mind, especially on a cuff band. Otherwise my girlfriend may enjoy it as well...

I must admit I bought this watch for two specific reasons. First of all, given its condition (it's working but could definitely use a service) I'd like to make it a little project for myself at school, I'll make it work like a brand new watch and will clean the case, the movement as well as the crystal. The other reason is the history of it, with the e-mails I exchanged with Al (a gentleman and a true asset to this community, thank you again my friend!

). From the information I got about it this watch was bought brand new for a nursing sister back in 1942 in Canada, she received it from her father and she wore it when she went overseas with the troops during World War II. When she came back she remained a single lady until her death in 1978 and this watch was passed down to another lady who kept it until 2013. Since this lady and her husband didn't really care for the watch they asked a vintage watches enthusiast to sell it for them and apparently a young and very handsome student from a watchmaking school purchased it to give it a new life...

Disclaimer: The very end of this story may have been exaggerated a wee bit (

) but the rest of the story is true if I rely on what I've read from the previous owners. All in all this watch has only had a very few owners since it was purchased and I think the story behind it is very interesting.

Now here are some other pictures, I hope you will enjoy them!

How things have changed since 1942...

And here's another one with my other vintage cushion watch, the gold one is from the 1930's but that's all I can tell (I wish I knew as much about it as I do about this Rolex).

Thank you for watching, feel free to comment!

DrLindaPhD · 8 April 2013, 09:31 PM

Wow. I have not seen a vintage Rolex with that perlage on the movement. I've seen in on other high end watches but not a vintage Rolex. Looks pretty straight forward for servicing. What a great piece with a great history. Thanks for sharing.

metalsofwar · 8 April 2013, 09:51 PM

Nice catch, reminds me to those cushion cased Unicorns..

I think it's more antique than vintage at this age.

M.

FeelingTheBlues · 8 April 2013, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrLindaPhD

Wow. I have not seen a vintage Rolex with that perlage on the movement. I've seen in on other high end watches but not a vintage Rolex. Looks pretty straight forward for servicing. What a great piece with a great history. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you Linda, I'll keep you updated with the service when I'll get to work on it.

As for the perlage, I'll have to see if other models had it because it is true that we don't see it too often on Rolex watches...

Quote:

Originally Posted by metalsofwar

Nice catch, reminds me to those cushion cased Unicorns..

I think it's more antique than vintage at this age.

M.

Thank you and I guess you are right, it is a very old watch (which indeed looks like an Unicorn now that you mention it)...

swish77 · 9 April 2013, 12:44 AM

Great story, and wonderful vintage Rolex. The watch has a fantastic look, as if it were unearthed from some archeological dig. Thanks for sharing!

Cru Jones · 9 April 2013, 12:49 AM

the piece is interesting enough and with the back story, it's quite stellar, carl. congrats and enjoy working on it.

johnbeth · 9 April 2013, 12:51 AM

Good luck in your restoration project Carl!

sea-dweller · 9 April 2013, 02:13 AM

Congrats!

The Joker · 9 April 2013, 04:36 AM

Very nice Carl, looking forward to seeing it cleaned up. Like the story as well. Enjoy.

drockadam · 9 April 2013, 06:02 AM

Incredible piece Carl! Huge congrats!

Alcan · 9 April 2013, 06:15 AM

Geez Carl.......

watchmaking school must have really hit you with "Starving Student Syndrome" if you can't afford anything newer than that!

Looking forward to seeing how it turns out cleaned up.

HL65 · 9 April 2013, 06:26 AM

Congrats Carl and look forward to the updates! Cheers,

FeelingTheBlues · 9 April 2013, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swish77

Great story, and wonderful vintage Rolex. The watch has a fantastic look, as if it were unearthed from some archeological dig. Thanks for sharing!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

the piece is interesting enough and with the back story, it's quite stellar, carl. congrats and enjoy working on it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnbeth

Good luck in your restoration project Carl!

Quote:

Originally Posted by sea-dweller

Congrats!

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Joker

Very nice Carl, looking forward to seeing it cleaned up. Like the story as well. Enjoy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by drockadam

Incredible piece Carl! Huge congrats!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Congrats Carl and look forward to the updates! Cheers,

Thank you so much guys, I appreciate those kind thoughts! The watch does look rather old but that's how I like them!

I'll keep you all updated with the service as soon as I get to work on it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alcan

Geez Carl.......

watchmaking school must have really hit you with "Starving Student Syndrome" if you can't afford anything newer than that!

Looking forward to seeing how it turns out cleaned up.

I know eh? I mean it's all old and dirty...oh the life of a poor student...

Thank you again Al and fear not, this watch will work like a new one when I'll get the job done!

mailman · 9 April 2013, 08:06 PM

Congratulations Carl and good luck with the project

You and Al are two great guys

FeelingTheBlues · 9 April 2013, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mailman

Congratulations Carl and good luck with the project

You and Al are two great guys

Thank you so much Paulie my friend, it's much appreciated.

cruvon · 9 April 2013, 09:07 PM

Congrats Carl, that's true hidden treasure, let us know how the restoration goes, hope it cleans up nicely though looks beautiful the way it is with that strap!

MonBK · 9 April 2013, 09:52 PM

Congrats little Gh.

Pheew, what a long story for such a small watch.

FeelingTheBlues · 9 April 2013, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruvon

Congrats Carl, that's true hidden treasure, let us know how the restoration goes, hope it cleans up nicely though looks beautiful the way it is with that strap!

Thank you San! The movement will be cleaned but I think I'll leave the dial as is for now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonBK

Congrats little Gh.

Pheew, what a long story for such a small watch.

Thank you my gold mentor! As for the story, it makes up for the small case, all in all I have a medium size thread...

Alcan · 10 April 2013, 09:26 AM

Carl,

as an addendum, I spoke with the last owners today. From what we can piece together you're the 3rd owner of the watch. First the Nursing Sister, then them, and now you.

More important, its more likely than not that its never been worn by anybody other than the original owner. The second custodian, on whose behalf I sold it, never wore it. And I surely didn't.

How 'bout them apples!

FeelingTheBlues · 10 April 2013, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alcan

Carl,

as an addendum, I spoke with the last owners today. From what we can piece together you're the 3rd owner of the watch. First the Nursing Sister, then them, and now you.

More important, its more likely than not that its never been worn by anybody other than the original owner. The second custodian, on whose behalf I sold it, never wore it. And I surely didn't.

How 'bout them apples!

That's something that makes this watch much more special to me Al, knowing almost everything that happened to it (minus what it went through on the other side of the pond) gives it quite the historical value! Thank you for the information my friend!

...Oh, and I love them apples!

SearChart · 29 April 2013, 08:54 PM

Very interesting!
I'd love to see it when it's cleaned up a bit(especially the movement

)

ob1 · 29 April 2013, 09:09 PM

Fantastic photos Carl. the shots of the movement are fascinating.

Beaumont Miller II · 29 April 2013, 11:24 PM

What a great story and a great watch. I think it looks perfect the way it is. Love the strap as well.

nick c · 30 April 2013, 12:21 AM

Congrats well done

JCW1980 · 30 April 2013, 06:58 AM

Wow, very unique with an excellent story! Those are some wonderful pics as well. Congrats!

GregoryZ · 30 April 2013, 07:18 AM

Nice Carl! It's like finding an old Mustang Shelby GT in someone's garage. Can't wait to see when you're done with it!

FeelingTheBlues · 2 May 2013, 10:53 AM

Please accept my apologies guys, I didn't notice that some other people commented in my thread!

Thank you so much for your kind words all, I'm going to service it pretty soon and will make sure to take some pictures whilst doing it.

FremStar · 2 May 2013, 11:26 AM

Absolutely stunning! Carl, I am with John! Keep it as is! Looks like Alcan found it in a treasure chest from the Titanic! Absolutely

this! Wear it in good health!

FeelingTheBlues · 2 May 2013, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FremStar

Absolutely stunning! Carl, I am with John! Keep it as is! Looks like Alcan found it in a treasure chest from the Titanic! Absolutely

this! Wear it in good health!

Thank you Sam and fear not, this watch will not be modified in any way! I'll just make sure that the movement gets the service and cleaning it deserves to avoid losing such a great historical timepiece due to rust.

rodrob59 · 2 May 2013, 11:37 AM

Great find Carl. Looking forward to updates on your progress.

8 April 2013, 09:16 PM	#1
FeelingTheBlues "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Carl Location: Always moving Watch: If you wish... Posts: 22,039	Incoming! "Vintage" is the good word indeed... Greetings TRF, Here's a little watch I bought last week from our good friend Al, also known as Alcan, and that I received last Friday. I am very excited since it is what I'd like to call quite an original watch... This watch is a 1942 Rolex. It is rather hard to tell by looking at the very small case and the dial since you cannot find any brand name on it, the Breguet hands and arabic numerals are not very good hints of who made this timepiece... The dial has quite a lot of patina on it (although it does look very dark because the crystal is also rather aged as well) but the markers are still visible. As for the hands, they are still in quite a good shape for their age, the blue'd steel didn't fade too much. The hallmarks and brand names can only be seen when you open that small mechanical beauty, the most obvious ones are the Rolex name, the Wilsdorf & Davis stamp and the sterling silver hallmark. And when you take a look at the movement... I really like the perlage on the bridges, it has always been a finishing pattern that that I liked! Notice how the cock bridge also has some etched finishing on it, not quite like A. Lange & Söhne but a good effort nonetheless... The case is, as stated above, very small! 27mm x 26mm would make it almost impossible to wear for a big man but my small self doesn't really mind, especially on a cuff band. Otherwise my girlfriend may enjoy it as well... I must admit I bought this watch for two specific reasons. First of all, given its condition (it's working but could definitely use a service) I'd like to make it a little project for myself at school, I'll make it work like a brand new watch and will clean the case, the movement as well as the crystal. The other reason is the history of it, with the e-mails I exchanged with Al (a gentleman and a true asset to this community, thank you again my friend! ). From the information I got about it this watch was bought brand new for a nursing sister back in 1942 in Canada, she received it from her father and she wore it when she went overseas with the troops during World War II. When she came back she remained a single lady until her death in 1978 and this watch was passed down to another lady who kept it until 2013. Since this lady and her husband didn't really care for the watch they asked a vintage watches enthusiast to sell it for them and apparently a young and very handsome student from a watchmaking school purchased it to give it a new life... Disclaimer: The very end of this story may have been exaggerated a wee bit () but the rest of the story is true if I rely on what I've read from the previous owners. All in all this watch has only had a very few owners since it was purchased and I think the story behind it is very interesting. Now here are some other pictures, I hope you will enjoy them! How things have changed since 1942... And here's another one with my other vintage cushion watch, the gold one is from the 1930's but that's all I can tell (I wish I knew as much about it as I do about this Rolex). Thank you for watching, feel free to comment! __________________ Mon corps c'est un pays en guerre sur l'point d'finir, Le général de l'armée de terre s'attend au pire, J'ai faim, j'ai frette, je suis trop faible pour me lever debout, On va hisser le drapeau blanc un point c'est tout. - André Fortin

9 April 2013, 06:15 AM	#11
Alcan 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Al Location: Way Up North Watch: your P's & Q's Posts: 10,473	Geez Carl....... watchmaking school must have really hit you with "Starving Student Syndrome" if you can't afford anything newer than that! Looking forward to seeing how it turns out cleaned up. __________________ Member #1,315 I don't want to get technical, but according to chemistry alcohol IS a solution!

9 April 2013, 06:26 AM	#12
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,473	Congrats Carl and look forward to the updates! Cheers, __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

9 April 2013, 08:06 PM	#14
mailman TRF Moderator & DATE-JUST41 2024 Patron Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: . Watch: 126610LN Posts: 35,387	Congratulations Carl and good luck with the project You and Al are two great guys __________________ JJ

9 April 2013, 09:07 PM	#16
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,688	Congrats Carl, that's true hidden treasure, let us know how the restoration goes, hope it cleans up nicely though looks beautiful the way it is with that strap! __________________ Last thing I remember, I was Running outta sight I had to find the passage back,To the place I was before. ’Relax,’ said this Rolex place,We are programmed to receive. You can checkout any time you like, But you can never leave!

8 April 2013, 09:31 PM	#2
DrLindaPhD "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Real Name: Linda Location: New York State Watch: Boys Tudor Sub Posts: 1,131	Wow. I have not seen a vintage Rolex with that perlage on the movement. I've seen in on other high end watches but not a vintage Rolex. Looks pretty straight forward for servicing. What a great piece with a great history. Thanks for sharing.

8 April 2013, 09:51 PM	#3
metalsofwar Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Gabe Location: Cork, Ireland Watch: GMT2c Posts: 36	Nice catch, reminds me to those cushion cased Unicorns.. I think it's more antique than vintage at this age. M.

9 April 2013, 12:44 AM	#5
swish77 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Aaron Location: CT/NYC Watch: ing the time! Posts: 6,818	Great story, and wonderful vintage Rolex. The watch has a fantastic look, as if it were unearthed from some archeological dig. Thanks for sharing!

9 April 2013, 12:49 AM	#6
Cru Jones 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 34,570	the piece is interesting enough and with the back story, it's quite stellar, carl. congrats and enjoy working on it.

9 April 2013, 12:51 AM	#7
johnbeth "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: John Location: Australia Watch: Depends on mood. Posts: 9,536	Good luck in your restoration project Carl!

9 April 2013, 02:13 AM	#8
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	Congrats!

9 April 2013, 04:36 AM	#9
The Joker "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Gotham Posts: 9,634	Very nice Carl, looking forward to seeing it cleaned up. Like the story as well. Enjoy.

9 April 2013, 06:02 AM	#10
drockadam "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Adam Location: Ontario, Canada Watch: Pepsi. Posts: 5,749	Incredible piece Carl! Huge congrats!

9 April 2013, 09:52 PM	#17
MonBK Banned Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kingstown Posts: 58,281	Congrats little Gh. Pheew, what a long story for such a small watch.

10 April 2013, 09:26 AM	#19
Alcan 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Al Location: Way Up North Watch: your P's & Q's Posts: 10,473	Carl, as an addendum, I spoke with the last owners today. From what we can piece together you're the 3rd owner of the watch. First the Nursing Sister, then them, and now you. More important, its more likely than not that its never been worn by anybody other than the original owner. The second custodian, on whose behalf I sold it, never wore it. And I surely didn't. How 'bout them apples! __________________ Member #1,315 I don't want to get technical, but according to chemistry alcohol IS a solution!

29 April 2013, 09:09 PM	#22
ob1 Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Mark Location: canterbury Watch: new pussycat? Posts: 635	Fantastic photos Carl. the shots of the movement are fascinating.

29 April 2013, 11:24 PM	#23
Beaumont Miller II "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: USA Posts: 2,615	What a great story and a great watch. I think it looks perfect the way it is. Love the strap as well. __________________

30 April 2013, 12:21 AM	#24
nick c Banned Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 26,846	Congrats well done

30 April 2013, 06:58 AM	#25
JCW1980 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: DFW, TX Watch: Speedmaster Posts: 672	Wow, very unique with an excellent story! Those are some wonderful pics as well. Congrats!

30 April 2013, 07:18 AM	#26
GregoryZ "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Greg Location: Ohio Watch: 1680 Posts: 340	Nice Carl! It's like finding an old Mustang Shelby GT in someone's garage. Can't wait to see when you're done with it!

2 May 2013, 10:53 AM	#27
FeelingTheBlues "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Carl Location: Always moving Watch: If you wish... Posts: 22,039	Please accept my apologies guys, I didn't notice that some other people commented in my thread! Thank you so much for your kind words all, I'm going to service it pretty soon and will make sure to take some pictures whilst doing it. __________________ Mon corps c'est un pays en guerre sur l'point d'finir, Le général de l'armée de terre s'attend au pire, J'ai faim, j'ai frette, je suis trop faible pour me lever debout, On va hisser le drapeau blanc un point c'est tout. - André Fortin

2 May 2013, 11:26 AM	#28
FremStar "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Sam Location: Gotham City Watch: Wall Street Posts: 9,954	Absolutely stunning! Carl, I am with John! Keep it as is! Looks like Alcan found it in a treasure chest from the Titanic! Absolutely this! Wear it in good health! __________________ "Wealth is of the heart and mind, not of the pocket!" "A Watch Is An Emotional Object, And So, It Is The Responsibility Of The Brand To Create Emotion Through It's Products" - Georges Kern "In the 1950s and 60s, they made the Ref 8171, which is a cult collectible—now that’s the ultimate Rolex you could own with a calendar and a moon phase.” - John Reardon "Heh, heh, heh..." - Michael Kilyung

2 May 2013, 11:37 AM	#30
rodrob59 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Rod Location: Atlanta, GA Watch: YG DD 18238 Posts: 1,540	Great find Carl. Looking forward to updates on your progress. __________________ I ask you to judge me by the enemies I have made. -Franklin D. Roosevelt

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