Notes: The Rolex Skyrocket was one of many different stainless steel watches made by Rolex for Canadian soldiers going overseas during World War II. The Sky-Rocket was marketed to aviators. It uses a FHF 59 movement. Rolex Sky-Rocket watches were ALL small in stature at 29mm in size.

Mechanism: Also known as the FF30. This is a Rolex modified ebauche movement made by Fontmelon (FHF). Likely only used in Rolex models for the Canadian market ca. 1935-1945 variants with sub- and sweep second signed with 59. Data 10.5''', Dm= 23.3mm, Do= 23.7mm; H= 4.2mm; 15 jewels; f = 18000 A/h; power reserve 40h; Balance staff U1317; Stem W1110; Mainspring / battery: Zf1389, 1.70 x 9.0 x 0.10 x 290mm; Hands: 1.40 x 0.70mm

Family Notes: The Rolex Canadian market Oyster watches date back to the late 1930’s and are some of the most affordable vintage Rolex watches available on the used watch market today. They differ from Swiss marketed Rolex’s in that they used a Rolex modified ebauche movement made by Fontmelon, their caliber FF30 subsequently renamed the Rolex caliber 59. The movements were stamped Rolex Geneva on the top plate and were not engraved or stamped Rolex on the bridge. On some variations of the movement, the bridges were engraved with the name Oyster Watch Ltd.

The various models marketed included names such as Oyster Centregraph, Oyster Lipton, Oyster Junior Sport, Oyster Raleigh, Oyster Commander, Oyster Recorda, Oyster Edison, Oyster Grenfell, Oyster Standard and Oyster Shipmate. These watches were most frequently sold in gold-filled and stainless steel Oyster cases. These watches are frequently seen with 24-hour military dials and as such, many were given as gifts to soldiers departing for active service in Europe during World War 2. Many of the watches returning to Canada came back with the serviceman’s registration numbers engraved on the rear of the case back.