Rolex trench watch

[Jonwhite]

Hi guys, been after a trench watch for a while now and this has popped up. Any views on this piece? Retailing at just shy of £1000 GBP.

Small @ 29mm and has some dents on the rear case.

Thanks

[Jonwhite]

Picture 2

[Jonwhite]

Picture 3

[Jonwhite]

Picture 4

[mikkibarry]

Hi Jon. I'm far from an expert, but I don't think that dial is original. All of the trench watches I've seen have dials that are sized properly for case. I know this one isn't the same as yours, but have a look at this one. And this one.

The gears don't look good either. Is it working? When is the last time it was serviced?

Were you looking for a trench with a half hunter case, specifically? Here are a few shots of my trench watch without the hunter case:

[CrownMe]

I'm no expert but the watch the op posted looks to have a few issues. You did right by posting it here before the purchase. Hopefully somebody can help

[mikkibarry]

One of the big problems with vintage of that era is that there were so very many types of Rolexes. One thing that I've noticed with the half hunter cases, however, is that when you open them, the dial underneath generally also has numbers so you can tell time with it open or closed.

There's just something about this one that isn't quite right.

[Jonwhite]

Hi guys. Thank you so much for the useful information. I will stay clear!

The other military watch I had my eye on was this...

ROLEX Viceroy WW1 British Military Officer Trench Watch w/BROAD ARROW

Claims to be all original. Any options?

[Jonwhite]

#2

[Jonwhite]

#3

[Jonwhite]

#4

[mikkibarry]

Hi Jon. This one is more like it. The dial looks like it might have been touched up a bit (see the yellow inside the numbers). I'd ask the owner about that. Also, be a bit wary since it looks like a bit of corrosion on the case near the hinge. Not sure if that can be cleaned up or not. Re: the buckle, what does the underside say? Not certain if that is genuine, but like I said, I'm not an expert :-). I do not know whether Rolex made buckles of that vintage, however even if that isn't original, it's a nice to have. Does anyone know what the arrow symbol is on the inside of the case?

Question for you, Jon - do you have any watchmakers that you've identified for taking care of your trench watch once you obtain it? I'm asking for two reasons: 1) a vintage watchmaker could give you a good first impression idea of what s/he thinks by looking at the watch now, and 2) perhaps an estimate for overhaul. I'd recommend overhaul, or at least a good look regardless of what the seller tells you about service. There's service as in "wow, this will be my first Rolex to work on" and service as in Bob Ridley "I need to fabricate a new part for this from scratch" service.

Let me show you what I mean. These are Bob's pictures of a watch a bit older than yours that he is working on for me. Note that on the balance wheel shot, that tiny little post was broken off. He made a new one.

That level of precision and care is difficult to find but once you do, hold onto it. I suggest fitting him with a locator chip