Rolex — A Fine Rose Gold Plated Keyless Lever Hunter Pocket Watch

Signed Rolex, Swiss, case by Dennison, Birmingham, circa 1927

Case:

Rose gold plated hunter case with polished plain surfaces, inner cuvette engraved “Presented by Wonthaggi Sub Branch F.E.D & F.A. to J. Pearce, President 1927/28”
Hinged front cover protecting the enamel dial
Dennison signature and Birmingham hallmarks inside caseback confirming English manufacture, circa 1927
Diameter: 50.5mm

Dial:

White Vitreous Enamel Dial of Excellent Quality, Signed ROLEX at 12 o’clock
Black painted Roman numerals with outer minute track and Arabic five-minute markers
Subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock with fine cross-hairs
Original blued steel spade hands and blued subsidiary seconds hand

Movement:

Nickel-finished lever escapement movement, signed ROLEX and SWISS MADE
15-jewel construction with screwed bimetallic balance and Breguet overcoil hairspring
Polished steel components with perlage and damascened finishing to the plates
Index regulator engraved “F – S” (Fast/Slow)

Manual wind, stem-set

Condition:

Dial in very good condition, free of visible cracks or hairlines
Case retaining sharp engraving with only light surface wear consistent with age
Movement clean and intact, running at time of cataloguing

Provenance and Historical Note:
This timepiece was presented in 1927/28 to J. Pearce, who was serving as President of the Wonthaggi Sub Branch of the Federated Engine Drivers’ and Firemen’s Association (F.E.D & F.A.). This was a major labor union representing engine drivers, firemen, and related trades, particularly influential in coal mining towns such as Wonthaggi, Victoria. Watches like this were traditionally given as presentation pieces to mark a term of office or distinguished service, reflecting both community esteem and professional achievement.

Collector’s Insight:
Rolex pocket watches from the interwar period are increasingly rare and sought-after, representing an era before Rolex’s full pivot into wristwatches. During this time, Rolex paired their Swiss lever movements with English cases supplied by Dennison to navigate tariffs and import restrictions. The combination of a signed enamel dial, a Dennison hunter case, and a high-grade 15-jewel movement makes this watch a desirable early Rolex. Its period inscription ties it firmly to the social history of Australian labor movements, further enhancing its collectible appeal.