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, red sweep seconds hand (if possible), and a luminous numbered dial. The RAF pilots won the Battle of Britain wearing these distinguished watches.*
This particular rare model, the Falcon, was sold only in Canada, and they were often intended for servicemen and airmen heading to Europe and the Pacific. While some of the similar styles were just branded as "Oyster" and had contract cases and movements (the cal. 59), this watch is a true all-Swiss factory Rolex creation.
Some of the more common similar smaller Canadian market Rolex/Oyster watches were the Pioneer, Royalite, Victory, Firefly, Raleigh, Centregraph, Skyrocket - but Falcons are very uncommon.
It has all original parts down to the original red seconds hand.
It has a pleasing and original military style dial. Its Rolex production Oyster case is factory stamped with its serial no. And its high-grade movement with Super Balance system is keeping very accurate time.
Our watchmaker has freshly cleaned and oiled it, and for the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Included with the purchase is a one-year warranty on the movement and its function and a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.
*For interesting reading on the subject see "The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches" by Hess and Dowling.
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Maker: Rolex
- Model: Oyster Falcon (Precision)
- Serial no.: 345,394
- Era made: c. World War II
- Designed for: Men originally - now a unisex watch
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds
- Case material: Heavy gold plating with stainless steel back
- Case markings (outside): Case no., personalized with two initials that look to be "TS"
- Case condition: Honest original condition with wear to the gold plating throughout and slight wrench wear and scratches to the back from previous openings for servicing
- Dimensions: 29mm diameter (excluding crown) by 35mm long lug tip-to-tip
- Dial: Silver with luminous Arabic indexes, detailed outer minute/second division with 1/5 second markings, original, and untouched, excellent condition with one spot of aging by 12
- Hands: Original, luminous batons with red seconds, luminous appears to have been previously updated
- Movement type: Rolex, high-grade (these were often branded as Chronometers), Super Balance system, manually wound, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating flat balance-spring
- Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
- Width between lugs: 16mm
- Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
- Serviced: Yes, freshly cleaned and oiled.
- 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
