Help Identifying Rolex 96415/Brevet+ 6480

[jlw]

Hello--

I've had this watch for over 10 years. Its been serviced by Julliannes in Corte Madera, CA and Shreve & Co in SF. I never thought to ask them about the watch. The gentleman at Shreve asked me where I got it as "No one sells these, they're handed down from family member to family member."

I got it from an estate jewelry sale.

It has a black face, gold indicators, says Rolex below the 12 o'clock crown, Shock-Resisting above the 6 indicator and Swiss below.

It came on an awful brown leather band, I bought this one ages ago. Should it have a stainless bracelette?

Serial number research suggests its a 1937-1940 watch? Is there something special about the hollow cross next to the word Brevet? The Shreve guy said that made it 'rare'?

I love the watch and the fact that I own it has stopped be from buying a birth year Omega Speedmaster Pro and a Cosmograph Daytona, as I think I'll just wear this and not need another watch. I really love it and want to know more about this special artifact.

Thanks


Looking for historical info on my watch: Serial 96415, Brevet+ 6480 by jlweisberger, on Flickr

[jlw]

Oh.. also Oyster under Rolex at the 12 o'clock position. Sorry.

[Michael M.]

Looks cool! It was probably manufactured sometime in The 40's or 50's. Look nice on the strap!

[adam78]

That reference is from the late '50s. I love the black dial on yours. Do you have a higher resolution photo of the dial?

Here is my ref. 6480 in comparison.