Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jul 13, 2024
LOT 148
TORNEK-RAYVILLE, REF. TR-900, TORNEK-RAYVILLE US, STAINLESS STEEL
EUR 50,000 - 150,000
CHF 47,800 - 144,000 / HKD 420,000 - 1,260,000 / USD 54,000 - 162,000
Sold: EUR 72,160
An extremely rare and fine stainless steel military diver's wristwatch with revolving bezel, black dial, center second and humidity indicator at 6 o'clock. made for the us navy
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: |
|
Case: 2-06 |
Very good |
Movement: 2* |
Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 2-01-06 |
Very good HANDS Original HANDS Partially replaced |
Brand Tornek-Rayville
Model Tornek-Rayville US
Reference TR-900
Year Circa 1965
Case No. 1031
Bracelet Nato
Diameter 41 mm
Caliber AS 1361
Signature Dial, case and movement
Notes
** This lot will require an export license/passport. Please refer to the T&Cs for further information
Provenance
From the private collection of an American enthusiast
Biography
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.
This particular example from the personal collection of an American enthusiast was discovered a few years ago, but it had a replacement US navy steril dial from the late ’70’s. .
With great luck, he was able to find a rare original dial to restore the watch to its historically accurate condition, which is nothing short of a miracle. It is thus presented today for the first time in its perfect configuration.
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.
This particular example from the personal collection of an American enthusiast was discovered a few years ago, but it had a replacement US navy steril dial from the late ’70’s. .
With great luck, he was able to find a rare original dial to restore the watch to its historically accurate condition, which is nothing short of a miracle. It is thus presented today for the first time in its perfect configuration.