Passions Watch Exchange

About This Watch

Vintage. No box or papers but a Passions box will be given.

What we're offering here is not just a vintage Rolex but a historical artifact. This is a post WW2 Rolex with accompanying documents and proof of ownership from a nuclear scientist. Interested? Read on.

This 32mm Rolex Oyster is a Reference 4444, a larger mid-size model and the serial number dates it to 1949, just a few years after the devastating WW2. This watch is sold with several corresponding letters and service invoices between Mr Robert Von Berg of Cornell University and Rolex America from 1949 to 1952. There is also an Oct 1952 Reader's Digest document on watch maintenance that comes along with two envelopes bearing stamps and the owner's details. These documents are kept in as new condition and they are 75yrs old now which is as old as the watch.

The dial has been restored and features embossed gold Arabic numerals and black markings with blued steel hands. 

The 2pc Oyster steel case has been lightly polished and a new crystal replaced so it presents very well. Case bezel and lugs are thick with little wear over the ages. The internal of the back cover is polished with circular grain and stamped with the Rolex logo and 4444 (reference model). The case is completely rust-free which is a delight.

The 15 rubies movement is in mint condition, takes about 10 winds to full and keeps time but this is not a chronometer to begin with so it will not be accurate. Do bear in mind that these vintages are not water resistant nor shock-proof so please use it with care and it can still serve you well as a daily.

The mesh stainless steel bracelet, an original by JB Champion is a lovely thing to wear, very soft, flexible sizing and wraps around our wrist easily. This original bracelet is quite valuable on its own and would later find it's way to the Moonwatch from Omega Speedmaster and became the only bracelet approved by NASA for the Apollo space program and worn by the astronauts. Neil Armstrong was seen wearing his Moonwatch with this bracelet.

The majority of post war Rolex steel watches are in poor condition due to moisture damage so it is a rare chance to find one in this condition and with accompanying documents.

This is an obituary of Prof Emeritus Robert Lee Von Berg who passed away in 2006 at 88yrs old. He did nuclear engineering work when this watch was on his wrist during those years and he was a visiting professor at Los Alamos National Laboratory where the atomic bomb and subsequent nuclear weapons were developed.

I don't think we can ever find another watch with such a fascinating heritage again.