The lovely patinated silvered dial is decorated with applied Arabic numerals, leaf hands, a ‘chemin de fer’ or ‘train track’ minute track and ‘Rolex’ beneath 12 o’clock
In the 1930s more copper was used when alloying, attributing the Tonneau shaped case’s pinkish hue. It remains in lovely condition with a small, characterful silver solder repair to the bottom right. The inside of the case back is stamped ‘RWC Ltd’ (Rolex Watch Company) and shows import assay marks for Glasgow 1936 and is numbered ‘101730’
The beautiful engraving to the case back has an interesting history. Harris Sumrie was a Polish Jewish immigrant and founder of the pioneering men’s fashion textile company C. & M. Sumrie Ltd. The company specialised in the production of high-class ready-to-wear clothing and bespoke tailoring and is credited with providing the first ready-to-wear garment to the London market. This watch was presented to Mr Jack Barker in 1938 for his ‘long & faithful service’
The acrylic glass is clear and unmarked
Fitted to the wire lugs is a brown leather strap of a similar vintage to the watch
The ‘15 rubies’ Rolex signed manual wind lever movement runs smoothly and keeps good time
