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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Ladies' octagonal wristwatch

Wrist Watch - Rolex, Switzerland, 1923

Partially verified

This ladies' wrist watch features a gold octagonal case and is powered by a spring-wound movement. It is signed by the Rolex Watch Co Ltd and bears the serial number 1085380 inside the rear case. The watch was presented to Edna Clarice Wills by W. H. Sherriff on 25 December 1923. The rear of the case is engraved with the initials 'ECW' and the presentation date. The watch is currently fitted with a replacement metal band, which features a clasp marked 'HANDLEY G.P.-5.B.' and was donated to the museum in 1994. The dial displays roman numerals and the watch measures 27 mm in width, 8 mm in depth, and 25 mm in height, excluding the chain components.

Front view of the Rolex octagonal wristwatch, showing the case, dial, and replacement metal band.
Front view of the Rolex octagonal wristwatch, showing the case, dial, and replacement metal band. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Wristwatch · Ladies' octagonal wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex Watch Co Ltd
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 41879
Source-reported date
1923
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
1085380

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 and Dial Design

The watch is housed in an octagonal gold case. The dial displays Roman numerals, which are noted as faint. A winding crown is positioned on the right side of the case.

The rear of the case bears an engraved monogram consisting of the letters 'ECW' followed by the date '25.12.23'. The interior of the case back is inscribed with 'ROLEX' and 'SWISS', alongside the serial number 1085380.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold octagonal watch”
  • “Dial with faint Roman numerals”
  • “Engraving on rear of case: ECW 25.12.23”
  • “On inside of rear of case: ROLEX / SWISS”

Movement and Functionality

The watch is spring wound. The dimensions of the watch case are recorded as 27 mm in width, 25 mm in height, and 8 mm in depth.

It was worn by the original recipient, Edna Clarice Wills, from 1923 until 1957, when she transitioned to a new watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “Spring wound.”
  • “Dimensions of watch only.”
  • “She wore the watch until 1957, when she wore a new watch”

Bracelet and Provenance

The watch is currently equipped with a metal band, which is identified as a replacement from a later date. The band includes a clasp featuring the marking 'HANDLEY G.P.-5.B.' and is accompanied by a chain component on each side measuring 67 mm.

The watch was presented by W. H. Sherriff to Edna Clarice Wills in Caulfield, Victoria, as a proposal gift on 25 December 1923. The piece was donated to the museum by Ms Val Crohn in 1994.

Evidence for this section
  • “Metal band is a replacement of later date.”
  • “On metal band clasp: HANDLEY G.P.-5.B.”
  • “Acquisition: Donation from Ms Val Crohn, 22 Jun 1994”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific caliber of the 1923 Rolex movement housed within this case?
  • Does the 'HANDLEY G.P.-5.B.' marking indicate a specific Australian jewelry or metalworking manufacturer active in the early 20th century?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Wrist Watch - Rolex, Switzerland, 1923
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex Watch Co Ltd“Manufacturer, name: Rolex Watch Co Ltd”
Registration NumberST 41879“Registration number: ST 41879”
Serial Number1085380“Serial number inside rear of case: 1085380”
Case MaterialGold“gold octagonal case”
Movement TypeSpring wound“Spring wound.”
Presentation Date25 December 1923“Presented By, name: W. H. Sherriff, date: 25 Dec 1923”
Bracelet MarkingsHANDLEY G.P.-5.B.“On metal band clasp: HANDLEY G.P.-5.B.”
InscriptionECW 25.12.23“Engraving on rear of case 'ECW 25.12.23'”

Visible details

  • Octagonal gold case design
  • Faint roman numerals on the dial
  • Replacement metal link bracelet
  • Engraved monogram and date on case back

Research qualifications

  • The metal band is noted as a later replacement
  • The dial numerals are described as faint

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

Consulted source

Wrist Watch - Rolex, Switzerland, 1923

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 2e21a3732b

Terms in this record

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