Rolex Oyster Speed King, ref. 5056, Manual Wind, Silver Sunburst Dial, circa 1948

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

A Beautiful Rolex Oyster Speedking Precision (Prisoner Of War), Manual Wind Watch with a Stunning Silver Sunburst Dial, Yellow Gold Dial Furniture and Oyster Bracelet, c.1948 A piece of Rolex history, the Speedking made its first appearance in the 1940s and brought with it a classic design that is just as relevant today as it was when it first debuted. It was named after the “King of Speed” Sir Malcolm Campbell, a Rolex fan and breaker of speed records. On 4 September 1935, he set a land speed record of over 300 miles per hour – while wearing his Rolex watch. The Speedking is also well known for being the "PoW" watch as it was offered to British prisoners of war during WWII as a morale boost - it wouldn't need to be paid for until the war was over and the men returned home. Many officers took up Rolex on this option and paid for the watches when returning to the UK after the war! What’s On Offer It may be small, but it's mighty! Mighty charming that is, in every sense, from its 30mm dimensions to its bewitching silver sunburst dial which has a very subtle sprinkling of pleasing patina, it's barely visible to the naked eye but adds to the charisma this watch enjoys. Beautiful yellow gold Dauphine hands glide over the applied baton indices and crown at 12, a needle central seconds hand completes a simple yet sophisticated dial. This watch has been very well taken care of through the years, you really would not think it was a 1940s watch given its remarkable condition, this is likely due to the fact it has been in one of our watchmaker's personal collection of watches for many years! This is a really charming watch, timelessly designed for the more slender wrist. Effortless chic for any occasion, vintage Rolex at its best. Running like a dream as one would expect, coming from a watchmaker it has been serviced on a regular basis by him.