| Vintage Watch Catalog > Mens Watches > Rolex Speed King |
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Item: ROL16 Rolex Speed KingModel: 4220 Year Made: 1946 Case: Stainless Steel Dial: Two tone with original satin silver finish Movement: 17 Jewel Dimensions: 36mm lug to lug, 30mm crown |
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Sounds like a lot for such a watch. But the historical value of this watch is unbelievable. Please, please, if you are a Rolex fan or just want to learn history, take time to read The Rolex Speed King: A Gift For British POWs During WWII. This is completely original, with the original "Bonklip called Bamboo" stainless steel strap. You can wear it, it works well. It will fit to approximately 230mm- that is a big Dough Boy. I don't know how many remain in the world. The bands just can't be found. The watch is untouched. Superb, authentic 17 jewel precision Swiss made Rolex, model 4220, Oyster "Speed King." Just beautiful. The back of the case has "Geneve Suisse, Brevete Rolex, and very clearly is model number 4220. Just about as early as they get from 1946 with serial number 503,xxx. This historical piece has a case that is in excellent condition. Back screws down perfectly with new seal gasket, and the crown is in the old fashion with oyster patent and cross in middle. This dial is two tone with the original satin silver finish. You can still read Swiss on the bottom. The crystal has been replaced somewhere along the way, a long time ago. It is 30mm wide and 36mm long and was the number 1 watch given to British POWs in WWII. Rolex gave about 3000 away and told the POWs to pay when they could. Highly sought after by collectors. Very durable with 17 jewel movement (most were 15 jewel in that time). But with the Bonklip (Bamboo) stainless steel band, it just got very rare in an unrestored condition. Now considered a midsize or boy's size, it was worn by men who will never be forgotten. It runs with perfect time. A piece of history. |
