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 is all original down to the dial, all hands, "Oyster Patent" winding crown, and even rare and desirable Bonklip bracelet!
It is in beautiful condition. This case is the rarer variety; having a rounded, convex bezel. It has not been polished to retain originality and presents as near mint.
Its original dial shows far less aging than on most examples. It is in wonderful condition, and the luminous has toned very nicely and matches the hands well.
Its caliber 59 movement is signed Rolex (these are signed under the dial rather than on the bridge).
This watch even has a really cool bonus - it's uncommon original Bonklip bracelet.
Bonklip watch bracelets were first developed in the late 1920's and the early 1930's, and are widely associated with the Royal Air Force and British military watches in general.
The primary link with the RAF is that the easily adjustable bracelet was issued to post-WWII aircrews to wear on their legendary Mark XI navigation watches. The bonklip was desirable for aviators because it easily fit over their flight suit.
It is believed that Rolex some sold watches with the Bonklips bracelets as the OEM bracelet during the 1930's and 40's, as we think is likely to be the case with this watch.
Our watchmaker has freshly cleaned and oiled it, disassembling it down to its last screw. We have also installed a brand new mineral glass crystal.
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 new timing certificate.
* For interesting reading on the subject see "The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches" by Hess and Dowling.
Also, kudos to Corvuswatch for creating a comprehensive article on the Bonklip a few years ago:
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Maker: Rolex
- Model: Oyster Junior Sport
- Serial no.: 92,229
- Year made: c. 1939
- Designed for: Men originally - now a unisex watch
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Case markings (inside): Rolex S.A, Geneve Suisse, 31 Victories, Brevetee Haute Precision, 4220
- Case condition: Near mint with light wear, and we have not polished it for originality.
- Dimensions: 31mm diameter (excluding crown)
- Dial: Silver with luminous Arabic indexes, detailed outer minute/second division, original and untouched, beautiful condition
- Hands: All original, luminous blue steel batons
- Movement type: Rolex caliber 59, early shock resistance, manually wound, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating flat balance-spring
- Movement markings: Rolex, 17 Rubis, 59
- Band: Original, Bonklip for Rolex, adjustable to fit virtually any wrist and any extra unused links are covered so there is no "tail" - near mint. We also stock lizard and a variety of other leather straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
- Width between lugs: 16mm
- Crystal type: Mineral glass, mint condition
- Serviced: Yes, freshly cleaned and oiled. Our watchmaker has disassembled it down to its last screw for servicing.
- 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; New timing certificate
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
