Description

Vintage 1925 Rolex (R.W.C) 20 world records 260554/1925 274.789 114.948 120.851 Mechanical Hand-Wind Trench watch (Used)

Pre-owned Price 8500 AED

This vintage Rolex Oyster timepiece is a trench watch, a style popularized during World War I (circa 1925) as soldiers began wearing pocket watches on their wrists for easier access in the field.
Key Characteristics
Design: These watches are characterized by their transitional design, featuring a pocket watch-style round case with hinged wire lugs (also known as fixed lugs) welded on to hold a strap.
Dial: Typically features large, easy-to-read Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o’clock position.
Case Materials: These were commonly made from silver, 9ct gold, 14ct gold,
this movement features several high-grade characteristics common for that era:
Brand: Rolex (as explicitly engraved on the movement bridge).
Grade: Prima, which was a high-grade movement often found in early Rolex wristwatches. Some versions were also labeled “Extra Prima”.
Jewel Count: 15 Rubies (jewels), which are used as bearings to reduce friction in the gear train.
Regulation: Engraved with “Timed 6 Positions,” indicating it was adjusted for accuracy in six different physical orientations.
Hairspring: Features a Breguet hairspring, a specialized type of balance spring designed for improved timekeeping consistency.
Origin: “Swiss Made”.
Context and Use
These movements were frequently used in various early Rolex case styles, including:
Trench watches: Early military-style wristwatches with “wire lugs” (visible in your image) used during and after WWI.
Vintage Rolex Oyster watch, likely dating from the late 1920s.
Key Identification Details
Manufacturer: The “R.W.C. LTD” stamp stands for Rolex Watch Company Limited.
Model Line: The text refers to the “20 World’s Records” and various patents associated with the Rolex Oyster, which was famously marketed as the world’s first waterproof wristwatch.
Age: The patent “260554/1925” indicates a primary patent from 1925. Similar case backs with these exact patent numbers are frequently found on watches hallmarked around 1927 to 1929.
Material: The hallmarks (stamps above the “ROLEX” text) indicate the metal purity. Based on similar examples, this is typically 9ct gold or 18ct gold.
Patents Listed:
Great Britain Patents: 260554/1925 and 274,789.
Swiss Patents: 114,948 and 120,851.
Historical Significance
These case backs are from the era of the “Kanalschwimmer” (Channel Swimmer), referring to Mercedes Gleitze, who wore a Rolex Oyster while swimming the English Channel in 1927 to prove its waterproof.
BOX AND PAPER NO
Fully serviced and Polished
100% working order

Cash on delivery available all over UAE international shipping also available through DHL courier charges will apply.