Rare Vintage 1970 ' S Roamer Anfibio Rhodesian Army Military Issued 17J Watch
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:577523 |
For sale super rare swiss made 1970's Roamer anfibio Rhodesian army military issued vintage watch.These watches were used in the Bush war in the mid to late seventies.This one, based on various info and databases seems to have been issued in the late 1970's.It is widely believed that the markings SFA refer to the Security Forces Auxiliaries.These watches were believed to have been issued to higher ranking officers and most appear to have been re-issued with the previous ZA markings als...o.This one along with 3 others I have seen only have the SFA markings.I bought this of a well known military watch collector who bought a number of these from a MOD auction in the 1990's.There are quite a few variants of these watches with different cases and hand sets as well as different issue numbers.At the time there was a trade embargo so many of these watches entered Rhodesia from Britain via South Africa.This would explain the variations - there is quite a bit of information on these on the web so I would suggest you do your own research.The case, whilst showing signs of use is in excellent condition. It is a nice size at 35mm without crown and all stainless steel.
The dial, whilst aged, is one of the better ones I've seen.
It has faded tritium arabic markers and all text is perfectly preserved.
Considering it was worn during war in baking sun it has survived remarkably well.
The hands are original and have perfect matching original tritium infill that still glows under UV light.
It has original white second hand.
The watch has excellent condition plexiglass stamped in the centre with 123 (a sign it's original).
Please note some of these have been purchased missing movements and glasses and subsequently restored with non original parts - not this one.
It has remained untouched since the early 90's when it was purchased.
It also has the original signed crown.
As with all of these the crown pulls out in 2 positions (civilian models had a date and issued ones no date but used the same movement).
The case back is engraved with SFA315 which is in the 3 digit range for SFA issued watches.
The watch uses a quality signed Roamer 17 jewel MST520 hacking manual wind movement that keeps excellent time and hacks as it should.
If unwound you can get the watch going by giving it a shake.
The watch has not been serviced under my ownership but keeps reasonably accurate time.
It is 37mm in diameter including crown and 35mm without
It is 41mm lug to lug and lug spacing is 20mm.
The watch will be sold HEAD ONLY and NOT with the strap pictured.
This is rare piece with great military provenance.
Over the last few years I have seen only a few offered for sale.
Any questions please feel free to ask.
The dial, whilst aged, is one of the better ones I've seen.
It has faded tritium arabic markers and all text is perfectly preserved.
Considering it was worn during war in baking sun it has survived remarkably well.
The hands are original and have perfect matching original tritium infill that still glows under UV light.
It has original white second hand.
The watch has excellent condition plexiglass stamped in the centre with 123 (a sign it's original).
Please note some of these have been purchased missing movements and glasses and subsequently restored with non original parts - not this one.
It has remained untouched since the early 90's when it was purchased.
It also has the original signed crown.
As with all of these the crown pulls out in 2 positions (civilian models had a date and issued ones no date but used the same movement).
The case back is engraved with SFA315 which is in the 3 digit range for SFA issued watches.
The watch uses a quality signed Roamer 17 jewel MST520 hacking manual wind movement that keeps excellent time and hacks as it should.
If unwound you can get the watch going by giving it a shake.
The watch has not been serviced under my ownership but keeps reasonably accurate time.
It is 37mm in diameter including crown and 35mm without
It is 41mm lug to lug and lug spacing is 20mm.
The watch will be sold HEAD ONLY and NOT with the strap pictured.
This is rare piece with great military provenance.
Over the last few years I have seen only a few offered for sale.
Any questions please feel free to ask.
