This issued watch from Roamer bears quite an interesting back story that involves the military and smuggling. During a civilian conflict also known as the Zimbabwe War of Liberation between 1964 & 1979, major sanctions were put on the country preventing the import of certain luxury goods such as watches to the open market. The military called on their South African allies to supply watches to them for them to use in combat situations. These Rhodesian issued military Roamers were engraved with Z, ZA, SFA, or RA markings, and here we have an RA marked watch (RA2476) not previously seen on the market or forums!

Roamer was founded in Solothurn, Switzerland, in 1888 by Fritz Meyer. At first, Meyer and his employees concentrated on manufacturing cylinder escapements. By 1923 production of watches had grown to 1 million units and in 1972, the company had launched its first quartz movement. In 2003 the brand had relaunched and in 2013 launched a limited edition to celebrate their 125th Anniversary called the Stingray Chrono Diver. Roamer is also a member of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH.

What’s On Offer

This is a superb and rare piece and we are delighted to offer it for sale in such incredible condition. The dial has remained rich black and boats bold Arabic numerals, an outer seconds track and its original hands with luminous inserts, there is also a needle hand to count seconds. The dial is completed by the Roamer signature and encapsulated underneath a shatterproof Plexiglas crystal. The brushed steel tonneau-shaped case is in fine shape and to the case-back you will note original military engravings. This watch is a very collectable piece, it is running well and keeping good time. A collectible piece and a very worthy addition to any collection.