Notes: Rolex Oyster Raleigh Wristwatch serial # 177,xxx circa 1944. 31mm boy's size model with original period Oyster Patent crown. Very pleasing original lightly patina'd 24 hour luminous dial with luminous Arabic figures, inner red military 24 hour designation and red sweep seconds hand and luminous pencil style hands. Powered by 15 jewel manual wind calibre 59 movement with sweep seconds. Case serial # corresponds to 1942, but case back engraving dated 1944. This watch undoubtedly was worn by an enlisted man from the Canadian military as it bears the name of the owner, his R #, and the date 1944. Fitted with your choice of distressed or other fine or sporty strap.

Mechanism: Also known as the FF30. This is a Rolex modified ebauche movement made by Fontmelon (FHF). Likely only used in Rolex models for the Canadian market ca. 1935-1945 variants with sub- and sweep second signed with 59. Data 10.5''', Dm= 23.3mm, Do= 23.7mm; H= 4.2mm; 15 jewels; f = 18000 A/h; power reserve 40h; Balance staff U1317; Stem W1110; Mainspring / battery: Zf1389, 1.70 x 9.0 x 0.10 x 290mm; Hands: 1.40 x 0.70mm

Family Notes: The Rolex Canadian market Oyster watches date back to the late 1930’s and are some of the most affordable vintage Rolex watches available on the used watch market today. They differ from Swiss marketed Rolex’s in that they used a Rolex modified ebauche movement made by Fontmelon, their caliber FF30 subsequently renamed the Rolex caliber 59. The movements were stamped Rolex Geneva on the top plate and were not engraved or stamped Rolex on the bridge. On some variations of the movement, the bridges were engraved with the name Oyster Watch Ltd.

The various models marketed included names such as Oyster Centregraph, Oyster Lipton, Oyster Junior Sport, Oyster Raleigh, Oyster Commander, Oyster Recorda, Oyster Edison, Oyster Grenfell, Oyster Standard and Oyster Shipmate. These watches were most frequently sold in gold-filled and stainless steel Oyster cases. These watches are frequently seen with 24-hour military dials and as such, many were given as gifts to soldiers departing for active service in Europe during World War 2. Many of the watches returning to Canada came back with the serviceman’s registration numbers engraved on the rear of the case back.