Rolex Oyster Royalite Ref. 2280 Observatory – 1942 WWII-Era Canadian-Market Manual Wind Watch
 
Rare vintage Rolex Oyster Royalite Ref. 2280 with black Observatory dial, 24-hour scale, stainless steel Oyster case, manual-wind movement, and aftermarket tan suede leather strap
This Rolex Oyster Royalite Ref. 2280 is a rare WWII-era vintage Rolex wristwatch, commonly associated with the Canadian market during the early 1940s. It features a compact 30mm stainless steel Oyster case, screw-down Rolex Oyster crown, screw-back case, black dial with aged gilt/copper-tone markings, inner 24-hour scale, Observatory text, aged luminous-style hour markers, and manual-wind movement.
The watch has a strong vintage military/field-watch look with its black dial, 24-hour inner track, warm aged dial details, and tan suede strap. It is a collector-grade vintage Rolex piece with honest age, visible patina, and an attractive period-correct style.
 
Condition: 
Good vintage condition overall with visible age and wear consistent with an early 1940s watch. The case shows scratches, scuffs, polishing marks, and general wear throughout. The crystal shows visible surface scratches and wear. The dial has aged patina, marks, and aged luminous material on the numerals and hands. The case back shows scratches and wear, and the Rolex Oyster crown is present.
The watch is currently running, but its service history is unknown. It has not been professionally timed or pressure tested. As with most vintage watches of this age, it is not being sold as waterproof. The strap is an aftermarket tan suede leather strap and shows wear.
 
Includes:
Rolex Oyster Royalite Ref. 2280 watch
Aftermarket tan suede leather strap
Not Included: Original Rolex box, original papers, service records, original strap, extra links, warranty, or watch stand.
 
Key Features:
Rare Rolex Ref. 2280 Royalite: A collectible vintage Rolex reference from the early 1940s, commonly associated with the Canadian market during WWII.
Black Observatory Dial: Features a black dial with aged gilt/copper-tone printing, Observatory text, outer minute track, and inner 24-hour scale.
30mm Stainless Steel Oyster Case: Compact period-correct stainless steel Rolex Oyster case with screw-back design and Rolex Oyster crown.
Manual-Wind Rolex Movement: Manual-winding movement, likely Rolex 10 1/2 calibre based on known Ref. 2280 examples.
Aged Vintage Character: The dial, hands, case, crystal, and strap all show real vintage wear and patina, giving the watch strong collector appeal.
Aftermarket Tan Suede Strap: Fitted with a tan suede leather strap that matches the vintage military-style look of the watch.
 
Key Details:
Brand: Rolex
Model: Oyster Royalite
Reference: 2280
Approx. Year: 1942
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Size: Approx. 30mm
Movement: Manual wind
Dial: Black Observatory dial with 24-hour scale
Crystal: Acrylic / plexiglass-style crystal
Crown: Rolex Oyster screw-down crown
Strap: Aftermarket tan suede leather
Box/Papers: No original box or papers
Service History: Unknown
Water Resistance: Not guaranteed / not pressure tested
 
FAQs:
Is the watch running?
Yes, the watch is currently running, but it has not been professionally timed.
Is the service history known?
No, the service history is unknown.
Does it come with the original Rolex box or papers?
No, the original Rolex box and papers are not included.
Is the strap original?
No, the strap is an aftermarket tan suede leather strap.
Is it waterproof?
No. Due to age and unknown service history, it is not being sold as waterproof.