Tornek Rayville “No. 2” TR-900

Description

After the success by Blancpain with their Fifty Fathoms diver, and their universal acceptance by the Naval Unit of countries across the globe, a man by the name of Allen Tornek proposed that the US Navy also order and make use of the Fifty Fathoms dive watches in service.  However, due to import restrictions (the US Government would only award contracts to those products produced in the USA), Blancpain was unable to sell the Fifty Fathoms to the US Navy.  As such, Tornek sourced and modified movement parts from US manufacturers — just enough to be considered American-made — in order to satisfy the import restrictions; he slapped “Tornek-Rayville” on the dial, and the rest is history!

What we have on offer today is one of the most historically-important TR900s to ever be offered for sale, as it is the SECOND example to roll off the production floor, as shown by serial “002” on the back!

As these were military-issued dive wristwatches, they were often subject to rigorous use, and as a result, would go in for service to a military-specific watchmaker.  During many of these visits, the watchmaker would redo the dial, and in the process, remove the Tornek-Rayville signature, which we now call/know as “Sterile” dials.  As this watch was sent in for military service, the dial was made sterile, and after several years of hunting, arguably the biggest collector and authority of vintage Blancpain Fifty Fathoms watches was able to secure an original dial for the watch.  As such, both dials shall be included in the sale.

The condition of this Tornek-Rayville TR900 is very well-preserved.  The case is unpolished, with sharp original beveled edges.  The dial is immaculate with no visible wear, and likewise for the prometheum lume on the dial and hands. Finally, the original bakelite bezel remains in-tact, showing one crack at the 10 interval.

Overall, this is a tremendous TR-900, with a lovely lineage, history, and likely the earliest example one could ever find, a true dive watch collector’s grail!