Antique 9ct Gold ROLEX RWC Military Trench Watch c1918 WWI Fully Working Manual

For your consideration I have this hard to find:

AUTHENTIC ANTIQUE 9CT GOLD ROLEX (RWC) WWI MILITARY TRENCH WATCH

CASE DESCRIPTION
Material: Solid 9ct (375/000) Yellow Gold
Style: Round faced and bezel curved with classic military dial.
Case Back: Clip hinged opening, tight closing.
Lugs: 12.5 mm hinged bar
Width (including crown): 28mm
Lug to lug: 36 mm
Hallmark: UK Import 9 375
Case Maker: RW (Rolex Watch Company)
Condition: Very Good
Serial Number: 44715

WORKINGS DESCRIPTION
Movement Type: Manual (crown) wind
Jewels: 15 rubies
Country of Manufacture: Switzerland
Condition: Very Good, fully working, good time keeping.
Face: Round White Ceramic
Hands: Blue Steel, straight
Markers: Black Arabic numerals with military red 12
Face Signed:

STRAP DESCRIPTION (For information only)
Material: Canvas and 9ct rolled gold.
Colour: Black
Length: Adjustable
Width: 7 mm
Style: Military trench
Fastening: Snap clasp, adjustable

OVERALL
Age: c1918
Origin: Swiss Made and retailed
Weight: 15 grams total
A highly prized early World War 1 military officer's watch from probably the best known watch company before they became the churny factory they are today.
Fully tested and working (see below)
APPRAISAL VALUE FROM SOTHEBY'S: £2,950.00

Thank you for your time and custom.

Stock Code: BBWE021

A BRIEF HISTORY OF TIME(KEEPING): ROLEX
Well everybody knows the name but very few know the real history behind this watch brand.  Rolex (despite their "reputation") are actually new kids on the block being founded as Wilsdorf And Davis in 1908.  Originally their mission was to promote wristwatches over pocket watches and Hans Wilsdorf (the best known partner) was a marketer, making partnerships with other brands and manufacturers.  The name "Rolex" did not even appear until well into the later 1920s but other derivations such as Rolco, RolWatCo and RWC were used and continued to be used until much later.  It wasn't until the development of the Oyster case in the 1930s that Rolex became a strong proposition and over the next 30 years or so the branding became stronger and these other names disappeared, with only Tudor rising to become a brand in its own right.  As such the early Rolex produced watches are very different to today's models but still are highly prized - such as this example.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MY WATCHES
We have been avid watch collectors for many many years.  We never wasted our time on modern trends, instead collecting vintage pieces with more class, history and workmanship.  These days people go for the name, even though the watch is probably churned out in a factory and actually worth not much more than a Timex.
In these uncertain times the right watches are one of the most sensible investments you can make.  Quality vintage watches increase in value year on year - whereas many other investments have proven to be decidedly unpredictable.
Every single watch is tested as follows before dispatch:
Manual watches - bench tested for time-keeping and tolerance for 24 hours and left to fully unwind before posting.
Quartz watches - capacitance tested and fitted with a new silver oxide battery and posted with active hack, if applicable.
We have a dedicated room for all of our watches to be stored in, fully temperature and humidity controlled.
Wrist watches will be sent with the strap they have on.  Even if a strap is "ropey" I will not change it as it may be original and to swap for a new strap will devalue the watch.  Feel free to fit a new strap (they are consumable anyways) but I advise to keep the original as collectors will always look for this.
Watches are appraised periodically in bulk - appraisals are not available individually without paying the sole item appraisal fee.  If you wish to obtain this then please contact me and I will advise on the cost.  This fee MUST be paid in full, in advance.  The appraisal value will be included in the description above where appropriate.
Etsy have a limit on the price of items (max £42,000 I think) so the cream of the collection cannot be listed here unfortunately.

SHOP POLICIES:
1. Legalities - all sales are conducted under the terms of the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Distance Selling Regulations 2000.  Where site policies fall outside these ACTS OF LAW (and believe me they do) the law has full precedence.
2. Returns - all items can be returned within 14 days of receipt if not happy, at buyer's expense.  Original postage will not be refunded unless there is a proven error in the listing but we do not charge a restocking fee.
All items must be returned in original packaging, as per CCR 2013.
3. Postage - all items are posted as soon as we are able and all tracking and insurance info is provided, if applicable.
4. Reviews - We want you to be happy.  If there is a problem of any kind please contact us in the first instance and we will do all we can to resolve.
5. Dimensions - All measurements and details are given as accurately as possible but should be considered as a guide only.  Small discrepancies may occur when using different measuring tools.
PLEASE ASK ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE MAKING YOUR PURCHASE.