**SOLD**Working WWII Rolex 2784 California Dial SpeedKing

Harbinger

Silver Member
I got this watch from a friend of mine in non-working order as he had attempted to get it running for years with no success.

Given the rather rare and unique California dial, I took on the challenge, though really had no idea exactly how difficult finding parts for this exact model would be.

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After purchasing 5 “4th wheels”, over 12 months, all of which were wrong for one reason or another; I purchased a complete movement, dial and hand set for a sweeping center second Tudor which utilized the exact same movement as this model at the time. (Trying to recall, but believe it may be a FHF30).

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The one issue that arose following the repair was that the minute hand lume was damaged. The hand itself is perfect (and it is there if you look closely), However the lume will have to be reapplied, and looking for someone specializing in vintage watches to perform this work, or it’s something the new owner can source on your own if they so choose.

This watch is somewhat difficult to value as extensive comps are not available, and no direct comps at all for this exact model. I would explain why, though I’m sure the are people reading who know much more about the Canadian marketed Rolexes, but will answer any questions to the best of my ability, or provide updates in the event new information is given to me by the very knowledgeable CWC community.

I have a vintage OEM Rolex pin buckle that I’ll include with the sale.

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The watch was brought to Damiani where they checked for authenticity and issued an appraised value of $4,500 CAD.

I’ll be selling the watch for a fair price once I discuss with the various interested parties to determine what that may be. As I can’t leave the price blank I’ll state the asking price as $3,500 CAD OBRO.

Specs:

Year: 1943
Serial Number: 180,814
Case: Stainless Steel
Case size: 35mm with crown. 30mm without.
Model: Speedking
Movement: 17 jewels with sweep center seconds

The second movement, dial, handset, etc is also available as part of the sale should the buyer have an interest. The second movement is just a 4th wheel away from completion!
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Harbinger

Silver Member
Price revision.

I’ve been working on getting a case for the Tudor movement, dial and hands that I have given its only missing the 4th wheel, and I think I have a line on one.

But I’ve also been digging deeper in the WWII Rolex catalog, and as such will be adjusting the price to $1,900.

The cal59 is beautiful, and the sweep center seconds is a bonus, but I think the revised price makes for a compelling piece for anyone who collects the pre-50’s models.

I also found someone to match the lume on the minute hand (after a watchmaker somehow knocked it out).

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Harbinger

Silver Member
Oops. Forgot to mention.

I found the Damiani appraisal!!!

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Not sure if I may have gone a wee bit overboard with the price slashing.

But, what’s done is done. May the odds be ever in your favor!


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Harbinger

Silver Member
And one last thing I just remembered.

I just so happen to have not 1 but 2 genuine period correct Gay Freres stainless bracelets.

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Granted, the two bracelets are in very different conditions.

One is basically NOS with zero stretch and mint. Whereas the other....lets just say it has many more exciting stories in its past.

I’ll make either available to the Speedking buyer at a very reasonable discounted price should there be an interest.


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Harbinger

Silver Member
It seems that a Damiani seal of approval doesn’t carry the weight it used to. Frank will not be pleased to hear this.

I have been fielding some questions, so posting a couple nuggets of info.

Question 1. Is the dial original to the watch? Quick answer. Yes.

My PVD112 shown below has a-series tritium hands and a standard luminova dial. You can see the tritium in both the a-series hands and the Cali dial Rolex behave the same when exposed to solar energy., barely paying it any attention, and dissipating in a couple minutes. The luminova however goes ape shit. As luminova tends to do.

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So, the dial is original 40’s based on the “swiss” marking at 6 o’clock denoting radium, and the photo below shows that’s it’s not a service dial. And he tritium was added well before the 12 year Tritium half-life expired.

Question 2. The watch case looks in really good shape. Perhaps too good....

Answer: someone actually really loved this watch and maintained the hell out of it.

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That’s A LOT watchmaker markings. And that’s only a portion of he ones recorded as you need to twist the watch to catch the subtle markings in the light.

Lastly: the movement doesn’t look like this other parallel model I saw on eBay. Do I have permission to report you to the authorities yet?

Answer: afraid not Jimmy:

I don’t want to write a novel here but happy to explain the details of the early days of Rolex where they had more watch models than employees, didn’t produce their own movements and made region specific model variants.

This watch I believe was sold in the US as a Cali Rolex viceroy. The Canadians however got the Cali Rolex Speedking.

To complicate matters...the USA had a non Cali dial Speedking.

Unclear if Canada had a non-Cali viceroy. I would check....but....I don’t want to know.

I know too much already. This random knowledge is taking up valuable space i could be dedicating to memorizing the names of college athletes and critiquing their futures. I think that’s what adults are supposed to do, right?

If anyone wants to create a comprehensive pre-1950’s Rolex catalog of all models and variants, both with respect to dials and regional versions so I can go back to living a normal life ....I’d be very grateful.

I’m taking 2nd base grateful.

With Joe123.

A couple more photos cause...reasons.

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Lastly. I haven’t had the watch vibrographed after I had it completely torn apart, sonically cleaned and serviced, including replacing the broken 4th wheel with center pinion with a genuine 1940’s donor from another cal59, but I married the time to my 188 last night and it seems to be keeping great time for a 75 year old non-chronometer.

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