Rolex. A rare and unusual 10K gold plated manual wind bracelet watch made for the Canadian market

Observatory, Circa 1940

Model: Observatory
Date: Circa 1940
Movement: 17-jewel manual wind, timed to 6 positions with unusual indexed solid 4th wheel
Dial: Silvered, blue Roman numerals, blue inner minute track with five minute markers, outer blue border with five minute markers, blued steel pointed baton hands
Case: Polished rectangular, snap on back, reeded ends, curved lugs, No.455***
Strap/Bracelet: Fitted associated expandable
Signed: Case signed Pioneer W.C.Co, dial & movement signed
Size: 22mm x 28mm

In the 1940s Rolex used the company Pioneer, amongst others, as case makers in Canada and this is an unusual example of a Canadian made case. Additionally the movement on this Rolex is exceptional and rare. It has a solid 4th wheel which is indexed to 60 seconds and visible with a cut out in the plate. Undoubtedly used for the adjustment of the movement with a photographic device much like the modern day tests for chronometers to make it ultra precise. This is consequently not a common feature and rare to come across.