This watch is a true antique Rolex unicorn. It wasn’t until it was serviced this year that the all-important hallmark was brought to our attention. Registered by Wilsdorf & Davis on 17 March 1919, the “Unicorn” brand formed a significant part of Rolex’s strategy to capture the market for affordable mechanical watches throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
These watches often used manual-wind movements, sometimes signed “Unicorn” or “Unicorn Prima”. Many authentic 1920s examples, like this one, feature cases stamped “R.W.C. Ltd” (Rolex Watch Company) alongside gold hallmarks, all of which can be seen in our photographs.
Crafted in 9ct gold with a beautiful antique rosy hue, this piece features a squared, almost faceted bezel. This distinctive design is known as an “octagonal trench watch”, a style synonymous with WWI-era timepieces that represents the transitional phase between pocket watches and the modern wristwatch. The octagonal shape was a particularly popular stylistic choice for ladies’ models during the 1910s and 1920s, often paired with hinged front and back covers inherited from traditional pocket watch designs.
The dial has aged gracefully to a soft ivory tone, complemented by clear Arabic numerals. Unusually, it also features striking vibrant blue hands, adding a beautiful contrast of colour while ensuring excellent legibility.
It is fitted with an expanding bracelet for comfortable wear, although it only expands so far, so the bracelet also fastens securely with a box clasp and figure-eight safety catch for added security and peace of mind when wearing your antique Rolex.
As a final charming detail, the back of the case is engraved with “Christmas 1925”. We’ve chosen not to polish this away, as we feel collectors and antique lovers alike will appreciate this small but meaningful chapter in the watch’s story.
We only have one available, click here to visit our listing for more images.