Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Geneva, May 09, 2026
LOT 118
TORNEK-RAYVILLE, USA, REF. TR 900, "STERILE DIAL", STAINLESS STEEL
CHF 30,000 - 50,000
HKD 298,000 - 496,000 / USD 38,000 - 64,000 / EUR 32,500 - 55,000 / JPY 6,050,000 - 10,080,000
A fine, rare, military, stainless steel, self winding diver's wristwatch with humidity indicator
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: |
|
Case: 3-8 |
Good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 2-6-01 |
Very good Slightly oxidized HANDS Original |
Brand Tornek-Rayville, USA
Reference TR 900
Year 1964
Case No. 0629
Caliber 17 jewels
Diameter 41
Signature dial, case and movement
Notes
The Tornek-Rayville TR-900 is a modified version of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, one of the first modern diving watches, tailored to meet US military specifications.
To circumvent American import restrictions on Swiss watches, American importer Allen V. Tornek established the Tornek-Rayville company. The watch was essentially a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms with different markings.
It was produced specifically for the United States Navy and was used by combat divers (Navy SEALs and UDT - Underwater Demolition Teams). The watch met the stringent military specifications for diving watches, including high readability and significant water resistance.
The production of the Tornek-Rayville TR-900 was very limited, making it an extremely rare and highly sought-after watch by collectors today.
Many watches were destroyed by the United States Navy at the end of their service, making the remaining examples even more valuable.
To circumvent American import restrictions on Swiss watches, American importer Allen V. Tornek established the Tornek-Rayville company. The watch was essentially a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms with different markings.
It was produced specifically for the United States Navy and was used by combat divers (Navy SEALs and UDT - Underwater Demolition Teams). The watch met the stringent military specifications for diving watches, including high readability and significant water resistance.
The production of the Tornek-Rayville TR-900 was very limited, making it an extremely rare and highly sought-after watch by collectors today.
Many watches were destroyed by the United States Navy at the end of their service, making the remaining examples even more valuable.
Provenance
Property of a Japanese gentleman