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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch

1930s Rone wrist watch with box, papers and tools

Partially verified

This vintage wristwatch attributed to Rone is dated by the seller to the 1930s and features a plated case made by François Borgel measuring 28 mm wide excluding the crown by 30 mm high excluding lugs. According to dealer documentation, it houses a signed Swiss 15-jewel manual-wind movement fitted with shockproofing and an inner protective cover. The light-toned dial is signed 'RONE WATERPROOF' and displays Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. Fitted with a replacement black leather strap, the ensemble is accompanied by a presentation box, a 1939 guarantee, care instructions, a Bakelite holder, and opening tools.

1930s Rone wristwatch displayed with its box, 1939 guarantee, instruction booklet, and case-opening accessories
1930s Rone wristwatch displayed with its box, 1939 guarantee, instruction booklet, and case-opening accessories — The Vintage Wrist Watch Company. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sellingantiques.co.uk
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rone
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
SA602810
Source-reported date
1930s
Country
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Construction

The timepiece features a plated, silver-toned cushion-style case. Measuring 28 mm in width (excluding the crown) and 30 mm in height (excluding the lugs), the case is identified by the dealer as a François Borgel manufacture. The exterior surfaces show indications of rubbing and light marking.

The movement is housed with an inner protective cover. While the case maker is described as a pioneer of dust and water-resistant designs, the dealer advises that the watch should be kept away from water and moisture, noting that water resistance is not verified for the vintage piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch itself measures 28mm wide excluding the winding crown and 30mm high excluding the lugs”
  • “The case is plated and was made by Francois Borgel, an early pioneer of dust proof and water proof cases”
  • “There is some rubbing and light marking”
  • “The movement is protected by an inner cover.”
  • “as with any vintage watch, it should be kept away from water and moisture”

Dial and Mechanism

The dial is signed 'RONE WATERPROOF' and is described by the dealer as retaining its original finish. It features a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position, an outer minute track, and Arabic numerals. The watch is fitted with original hands and a replacement leather strap.

The watch utilizes a signed Swiss 15-jewel manual-wind movement, which the dealer notes includes shockproofing. These internal technical specifications are provided by the dealer and were not independently verified.

Evidence for this section
  • “The signed dial is in its original finish with original hands, a subsidiary seconds dial and outer minute markers.”
  • “The watch has a signed Swiss 15-jewel movement (with shockproofing) which is working nicely.”
  • “A new leather strap has been fitted.”

Provenance and Accompanying Accessories

The item is accompanied by several original pieces of ephemera, including a 1939 guarantee, a 'Taking care of your Rone watch' leaflet, and the original presentation box.

Included in the set are a black Bakelite holder and a case-opening tool set. The dealer documentation provides instructions on how to open and close the case back using these tools.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch comes with its original box, 1939 guarantee, 'Taking care of your Rone watch' leaflet, and also a bakelite holder, a back removing tool and instructions on how to open and close the back of the watch”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber utilized in 15-jewel Rone-signed watches from the 1930s?
  • Does the 'Rone Waterproof' dial marking correlate with specific François Borgel case patents of the era?
  • Can the inclusion of a specific Bakelite case-opening tool be verified as a standard factory accessory for Rone watches of the 1930s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1930s Rone wrist watch with box, papers and tools
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Jewel Count15 jewels“The watch has a signed Swiss 15-jewel movement (with shockproofing) which is working nicely.”
Case MakerFrançois Borgel“The case is plated and was made by Francois Borgel, an early pioneer of dust proof and water proof cases”
Case Dimensions28 mm wide by 30 mm high“The watch itself measures 28mm wide excluding the winding crown and 30mm high excluding the lugs”
Guarantee Date1939“The watch comes with its original box, 1939 guarantee, 'Taking care of your Rone watch' leaflet”
Dial FeaturesOriginal finish with subsidiary seconds“The signed dial is in its original finish with original hands, a subsidiary seconds dial and outer minute markers.”
MakerRone“1930s Rone wrist watch”

Visible details

  • Silver-toned cushion-style case with prominent bezel showing some surface wear and rubbing
  • Cream or off-white dial signed 'RONE WATERPROOF' with black Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock
  • Fitted with a textured black leather strap and displayed on a clear acrylic stand
  • Accompanied by a maroon Rone box, a printed Guarantee document, a 'Taking Care of Your Rone Watch' booklet, and a black Bakelite case-opening tool fixture

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber and inner dust cover are not visible in the photograph; movement specifications rely on seller description
  • Water resistance has not been verified, and the seller advises keeping the vintage watch away from water and moisture

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Sold: 1930s Rone Wrist Watch with Box, Papers and Tools 1920 - 1940 | Sellingantiques

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record d9822dae9e

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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