Rolex Half Hunter - Rare or not!

[GLADIATOR]

Normally I do not like using the 'R'are word, but I think this watch is in deed a pretty 'rare' Rolex. It is a:

1908 or 1912 Silver Rolex Half Hunter

100% original, beautiful and 'truly rare' Vintage 19oX's Rolex solid sterling silver half hunter wrist watch - What I can not determine is if it has a London Import Mark (which it looks like) dating it to 1908, which in my opinion is too early, or a Birmingham Import Mark (that it doesn't look like) dating it to 1912, which feels correct.

My instinct and knowledge points me to 1912, but is what is without doubt this Rolex Half Hunter is extremely rare and The Most Beautiful Dial you could ever see.

Rolex 15 jewels manual hand wind movement – Inner case back hallmarked and stamped R.W.C. Ltd. Rolex Watch Company 0.925 #117531 repeated twice -

The top cover has a spring release button in built into the crown, to reveal the original and appealing telephone dial with Arabic numerals that shows even age and character

Triple signed Rolex case dial and movement
Secondary hinged protective dust cover.

Articulated moving hinged wide lugs with fold-over quality brown lizard leather strap showing age.

Case diameter is approx 29.3mm without the crown - Thickness is approx 10mm - The size of this classic 1920’s era Rolex Gents wrist watch that has inspired generations would be considered mid or boy-size when compared to today's modern & contemporary large wrist watches.

l00k - 100 Yrs old!






Look at those swinging lugs:


And That FANTASTIC Telephone dial - Look at the Arabic Numbers, especially the '6' the'9' and the '12':




This watch even has it's ORIGINAL Silver Rolex Buckle!











That is my third Half Hunter wrist watch. The Omega from 1895 (converted 1915) and an unknown swiss made dated 1916.

[AAKVIPER]

You always find watches that stump me..lol..

But it looks very neat to me, and I like the single reset button. A lot of little detail in that watch.

I appreciate your write up, and it explains a lot about the early watch. It gives us a bit of history as to what Rolex was manufacturing at that time period.

Arthur

[GLADIATOR]

Thanks Arthur your kind comments.
The only other Rolex, which is not as nice as this as it does not have either that lovely 'telephone dial' OR the integrated crown and case release isin Dowlings book dated 1917.
I am sure mine is 1912 Rebberg movement.
That said Vacheron and Constantin, did have a half hunter wrist in 1908, so maybe it IS 1908

Wish we could have met while I was in NY, to show you my full collection.
The 'Didactic' is magnificent

Thanks again
Adam

[GLADIATOR]

The Vacheron, is 1905, so I think I am going with the London import mark at 1908.

Wow

[AAKVIPER]

I am just getting back on track..

I love your early vintage..Some I have never seen before.

Arthur

[GLADIATOR]

Hi Arthur.
I am DEEPLY sorry to learn that - Truthfully.

I really thought that you were avoiding to meet me after I was fired as a moderator.

I appreciate you letting me know why, as 'The Love of HOROLOGY, is above forum posts'

I will be back!(in NY) Lets meet up

Take care
adam

[RJ007]

I had the wonderful pleasure to see this incredible watch in
the flesh (along with some of Adam's other horological masterpieces!)

I could have stared at it for hours! There are details on top of the details!

A stunning watch Adam

Great seeing you in NYC!

G

[GLADIATOR]

I had the wonderful pleasure to see this incredible watch in
the flesh (along with some of Adam's other horological masterpieces!)

I could have stared at it for hours! There are details on top of the details!

A stunning watch Adam

Great seeing you in NYC!

G

thanks Gregg

[bazzab]

A really stunning vintage Rolex

[GLADIATOR]

A really stunning vintage Rolex

Thanks. Where is yours?