CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY AND APPRAISAL
1 YEAR MECHANICAL WARRANTY
About
Today’s Canadian market Rolex dates to approximately 1943 and is quite unique.
During the time period this watch was produced, almost all Canadian Rolexes were powered by Fontainemelon FHF30 movements, what Rolex called the caliber 59. What makes this example uncommon is that it houses a 10.5 ligne Hunter movement, an Aegler produced caliber that was the company’s flagship for multiple decades since its introduction in 1923, but almost exclusively used in watches only for the European and British market. Unlike the caliber 59, the 10.5 ligne would have received observatory certification, meaning it was adjusted to 6 positions and temperatures and tested for 21 days.
In advertisements, Rolex promoted this fact by stating the Wellington was an upgrade from the “standard English Military Model”, and some models even featured “adjusted 6 positions” written on the dial.
The dials on Canadian market Rolexes tended to be bolder than their European counterparts, and indeed the Wellington features a striking one, with large radium filled hour numerals, double seconds tracks, as well as a red 24 hour scale. Blued syringe hands and a red seconds complete the attractive and intricate design.
As was common in the industry at the time, to get around high import taxes on watches brought in from Switzerland, the cases would be produced in the US. This Wellington is no exception, and the Keystone manufactured gold filled case is a relatively large at-the-time 32mm diameter.
Details
Movement:
Type: Manual Wind, Caliber 10.5 ligne Hunter (700)
The movement has been given a full service, and it runs eagerly and keeps excellent time. One year mechanical warranty included.
Case:
32mm (not including crown) gold filled case and back
Strap:
Calf leather strap with croco pattern in black
Overall Condition:
Original gold filled case appears to have been repaired and plated at some point. In fair condition, but with obvious wear, particularly on the back. New acrylic crystal and unsigned crown. Dial appears to have been refinished, but comes with intact radium filled hour numerals. Patinated outer edges and some minor staining. Original blued syringe hands have been relumed. Red seconds was replaced during an earlier service.
