Tudor (Rolex) Rare Eaton's of Canada Vintage 1945 Solar Aqua King of Wings Ref. 4463
This is an excellent example of the tough to find Solar Aqua King of Wings, a private label by Tudor/Rolex for the most exclusive and once largest retailer in Canada. For more about the History of Eaton's click here.
This model was marketed to military personnel during WWII and although the King-of-Wings was a highly successful military watch, market availability suggests they were produced in very small numbers. They were also the most expensive in the military/utility line-up at the time. The watch appears entirely original. The dial is the original factory dial, the hands with stunning lume patina, Rolex oyster case with the original Rolex Patent screw down crown. The case appears unpolished and maintains sharp original factory finishes. This watch has the preferred silver/cream dial with the "sun" logo as a sign of solar. Correct red central sweep seconds hand. Rarer Tudor patent logo case, further tying this piece to the WWII era. The Tudor 59 manual wind 17 jewel movement is extremely clean and just serviced. We believe this is the first iteration of the caliber 59. Traditional to Rolex, the movement is not highly finished but finished just enough to perform with great precision for a 1940's watch at about +/- 2 sec per day on average in five positions.
The Solar Aqua King-of-Wings is presented on a vintage original rolex strap. The buckle is unpolished stainless steel and is unknown if it is original to the strap. There is very little knowledge / resources that verify what the original buckle should look like. I imagine the Rolex strap was a premium option at the time of purchase. We believe based on extensive research that this particular combo may have been one of the rarest. The model went through several changes in case markings and I believe possibly the movement as they appeared to have introduced the watch again once shock protection was available.
Historically significant, rare with a great movement, and a full stainless steel original 34mm Rolex Oyster case with all patent markings; this is a great piece for any serious collection of military or Rolex/Tudor watches. We also believe this piece is a great investment piece if you look at what is happening with Rolex/Tudor collectors and the shift to more obscure vintage pieces, especially military. Service marks on inside case back shows pride of ownership and correct service intervals. Perhaps this is why the watch performs like a modern Rolex after a recent service. Catalog print is not part of sale and is for informational purpose only. Thank you.
