Vintage Royal 'Hermetic' Waterproof watch. Info sought

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Wintersports
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Vintage Royal 'Hermetic' Waterproof watch. Info sought

Post by Wintersports »

I'm post on behalf of a friend of mine. He knows I am a collector but this is way outside of my wheelhouse. He has this watch - 3 images attached. It's a hermetic, double case, certainly seems military and on the basis of my research it's the 'Finger patent' type - on the basis of the attachment of the movement to the case but it's also signed as Swiss. The hermetic is effectively a case around the case where the outer glass and bezel can be unscrewed from the back.

I can't find anything on a hermetic in this brand. I ve been reluctant to remove the caseback at this stage to view the movement but if you think that would help that might be the next step.

Image
Image
Image

The watch belonged to his [late] father who served in the Royal Navy during WW2 and it would appear to be his service no on the rear of the case, though he was born circa 1920 and the design [for me] jars a bit as a 1930s piece.

There are no obvious markings on the outer case save for a scratched service type mark and what may be a VII in on the edge of the case [or may be scoring from someone carelessly opening it]. The inside of the outercase is very finely engine turned.

Any thoughts as to what he has would be appreciated.
C7 Rapide Mk2,
Tag Aquaracer
Breitling Superocean Chrono
Omega Seamaster Vintage 1947
Panerai on Metta Catharina Strap
Cartier Santos - worn by Mrs
Two Steinharts, Phoibos, Keinzle
Parnis. Heimdallr Willard, Steeldive bronze... all boys' toys
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Bahnstormer_vRS
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Re: Vintage Royal 'Hermetic' Waterproof watch. Info sought

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

I'm sorry, I've not got a clue about it, but a great piece and fabulous back story.

I'm sure it is, and should be, cherished.

I just wonder what stories this watch could tell.

Guy
In small proportions, we just beautie see:
And in short measures, life may perfect bee. - Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

Inscription on the Longitude Dial
Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5NB, England
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Wintersports
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Re: Vintage Royal 'Hermetic' Waterproof watch. Info sought

Post by Wintersports »

Oh exactly. I understand his father was torpedoed [or sunk anyway] twice. As the Americans say, and I mean it - 'thank you for your service'.

In your hand it screams quality, the dial is rough but would have been stunning, the inside of the case is wonderfully engine turned. Set to one side the history [which of course you can't], there's something about it.
C7 Rapide Mk2,
Tag Aquaracer
Breitling Superocean Chrono
Omega Seamaster Vintage 1947
Panerai on Metta Catharina Strap
Cartier Santos - worn by Mrs
Two Steinharts, Phoibos, Keinzle
Parnis. Heimdallr Willard, Steeldive bronze... all boys' toys
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