{"product_id":"rodana-waterproof-antimagnetic-watch-1940s","title":"Rodana Waterproof Antimagnetic Watch c.1940s","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"xui-column-12-of-12 xui-column-6-of-12-small-up xui-column-6-of-12-large-up\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"xui-u-flex xui-u-flex-column xui-u-flex-justify-space-between\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 1940s were an important period in the development of practical, reliable wristwatches. With mechanical watches becoming essential everyday instruments, Swiss manufacturers increasingly concentrated on improving their durability, accuracy and resistance to the demands of daily life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmong the many Swiss watchmaking names associated with this period was \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRodana\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a brand whose vintage timepieces reflected the functional design and mechanical craftsmanship of the era.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRodana watches from the mid-twentieth century can be found in a variety of styles, from understated dress watches to more purposeful designs featuring waterproof cases, antimagnetic protection and highly legible dials.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese features were particularly desirable during the 1930s and 1940s, when watch manufacturers were developing increasingly sophisticated methods of protecting mechanical movements against moisture, dust and magnetic interference.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe use of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStaybrite stainless steel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e was another important development. This corrosion-resistant steel alloy was particularly well suited to watch cases, offering greater durability than many of the plated base-metal cases commonly used in earlier wristwatches.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe term \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStaybrite\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e became associated with quality stainless-steel construction and appears on the casebacks of numerous vintage Swiss watches from this period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInside these watches, traditional hand-wound movements continued to provide dependable timekeeping. Many featured attractive movement finishing, including striped bridges, demonstrating the care and attention given to mechanical components even in relatively modestly priced watches.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToday, watches such as this Rodana offer collectors a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the character of early Swiss wristwatch design, with their compact proportions, distinctive dials and beautifully traditional mechanical construction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat's on Offer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHere we have a particularly characterful \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRodana Waterproof Antimagnetic wristwatch, dating from approximately the 1940s\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, housed in a stainless-steel Staybrite case and powered by a 15-jewel manual-winding movement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a lovely example of a vintage watch that wears its history proudly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe most striking feature is undoubtedly the dial, which has developed a wonderful warm cream colour with extensive natural patina across its surface creating an attractive mottled appearance that gives the watch a distinctive vintage personality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe dial features bold Arabic numerals in an unusual arrangement, with the figures positioned to follow the circular shape of the dial. Their darkened finish contrasts beautifully with the aged background, giving the watch an almost military-inspired appearance without making any claim of military issue.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt 12 o'clock sits the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRodana signature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, accompanied by the words \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWaterproof\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAntimagnetic\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, reflecting two important features promoted by Swiss watchmakers during this period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe watch has a traditional \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003esubsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, complete with its own finely detailed chapter ring and small seconds hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe syringe hands offer luminous inserts that have aged naturally over the decades. Their appearance works particularly well with the warm tones of the dial.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003estainless-steel Staybrite case measures approximately 30mm across and 36mm lug-to-lug\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, reflecting the compact proportions typical of wristwatches produced during the 1940s.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts angular lugs and polished surfaces give the watch a purposeful appearance, while the case displays the expected marks of wear associated with its considerable age.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe caseback is clearly engraved with the period markings:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWATERPROOF – ANTIMAGNETIC – STAYBRITE – FAB. SUISSE – ESTANCO\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese markings are particularly interesting, reinforcing the watch's Swiss manufacture and the emphasis placed on protective case construction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe watch is fitted with a leather strap featuring contrasting cream stitching, a sympathetic choice that complements its aged dial and understated vintage styling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe movement has been tested on a time grapher and is currently recording good results. We believe the watch is running well, although its previous service history is unknown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImportant Information Regarding Servicing and Warranty\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis watch is being offered for sale on behalf of a watch collector's family, who have asked us to assist with the sale of an extensive collection. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs there are a considerable number of watches involved, the family has chosen not to incur the expense of servicing every individual watch before sale. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough this Rodana has been tested on a timegrapher and is currently recording good results, its previous service history is unknown. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor this reason, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethe watch is offered as seen, unserviced and without a warranty\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with the asking price reflecting these circumstances.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShould you prefer to have the watch professionally serviced before delivery, this can be arranged through our watchmaker at an additional cost. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSimply add a note when placing the watch in your basket, and we will contact you to discuss the available servicing options.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce professionally serviced, the watch will be supplied with a 12-month warranty.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith its distinctive patinated dial, traditional hand-wound movement and attractive stainless-steel case, this Rodana is a lovely piece of 1940s Swiss watchmaking history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal: \u003c\/strong\u003eExcellent\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDial: \u003c\/strong\u003eFair\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBezel: \u003c\/strong\u003eGood\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase: \u003c\/strong\u003eGood\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMovement: \u003c\/strong\u003eNot Serviced\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverall: \u003c\/strong\u003eGood\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Vintage Watch Specialist","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57371216839031,"sku":"vws4408cs","price":850.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0139\/8092\/6009\/files\/VWS-4408cs_0.jpg?v=1791192608","url":"https:\/\/vintagewatchspecialist.com\/products\/rodana-waterproof-antimagnetic-watch-1940s","provider":"Vintage Watch Specialist","version":"1.0","type":"link"}