1919 rare 9ct rose gold vintage ‘semi-hermetic’ Rolex Officers watch

An extremely rare early 9ct rose gold round vintage ‘semi-hermetic’ Rolex Officers watch. The heavy rose gold case measures 34 mm, is signed Rolex, W&D (Wilsdorf & Davis) and marked 9k gold. The movement is signed Rolex with 15 jewels. The white enamel dial has black Arabic numerals with a red twelve and subsidiary seconds dial. The dial is signed Rolex above the centre.

This is a rare early example of a ‘semi-hermetic’ watch case. Both the front bezel and case back, screw onto the main body of the watch, sealing the movement in. This was to prevent moisture and dust from rusting and damaging the movements, therefore ensuring more reliable time-keeping.

A simply stunning example of a Rolex Officers watch!

Following the end of World War I, global trading resumed and Rolex watches were being sent abroad, particularly to the the hot and humid tropical countries of the British Empire. Many of the watches were found to have rusted on arrival following a long damp voyage!

Hans Wilsdorf (co-founder of Rolex) was determined to produce a ‘water-proof’ watch and commented;

“We must succeed in making a watch case so tight that our movements will be permanently guaranteed against damage caused by dust, perspiration, heat and cold. Only then will the perfect accuracy of the Rolex watch be secured.”

The Rolex Oyster watch was produced a few years later in 1926 with a ‘three-piece’ case, (the front and back screwing into the body). An iconic design that has become probably the best selling waterproof wristwatch!