Rolex

A most unusual proposal, this wrist tool fully epitomizes Rolex's original vocation as a tool watch company. In this instance, the concept is truly brought to the extreme: the movement is practically absent - only a blank movement plate is present in the case. The piece is exclusively a compass: an obvious effort to provide a more resistant and practical version of this tool (hence the waterproof Oyster case and the wrist-version) to be used in the most extreme situations and expedition: the same philosophy behind another - more renowned - Rolex creation: the Explorer. This remarkable wrist-tool exemplifies how Rolex was light-years ahead of any other brand - even already in pre-war times - concerning the development of professional, sturdy and extremely reliable mechanical instruments.

The lack of reference and serial number on the case is a typical trait of prototype/workstudy Rolex timepieces, which leads us to believe this to be the case ion this occurrence as well. Furthermore, in order to accomodate the raised needle a bezel considerably higher than the norm was developed for this case. Soldering marks around the bezel are testament to the archetypal and artisanal construction methodology employed for this visionary study. Lastly, the unfinished movement plate was obviously never intended to be completed, it simple serves as an anchoring point for the dial.
The lack of any kind of sign of wear on the case amply confirms the fact that the watch was actually born like this, dispelling even the faintest shade of doubt about this being a modified bubble back.

Estimate   10-20k-  now that is crazy talk