Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18ct 1957 (Original Unrestored Dial)

Description

Here we have a most elegant 1950s gentleman’s Rolex dress watch with a charming unrestored dial which is in amazingly good condition, considering the age of this watch. The original Dauphine hands pair beautifully with the applied spearhead hour indices and the absence of a date function contributes to a perfectly balanced dial, crowned of course, with the Rolex ‘Coronet’ at 12 o’clock. This is Rolex model number 1005, carrying the Rolex Cal.1560 Chronometer (highly accurate and reliable) grade movement, which like the rest of the watch is in tip top condition. Notably, the earlier 1950s fluted bezel here is much gentler than the later bezels which seem to get deeper and more pronounced with each passing decade.

The Dial

Very rarely do we find an original unrestored dial which is so close to perfect condition, i.e. no crazing, pitting or water staining. When we do find such a dial, we might on balance, decide it best to leave it alone rather than restore it. This is just such a dial which has only the slightest signs of ageing in the form of some very even fading across the dial. In our eyes, this does not detract from the appeal of the watch, but is in keeping with its age and character. In fact, we feel it adds charm and this is the reason we have left it alone. The original Dauphine hands look wonderful paired with the Arrowhead and Pencil hour indices. In summary, this really is a wonderful dial.

The Movement

The original high grade “Officially Certified Chronometer” 25 Jewels, 1560 calibre ‘butterfly’ movement is very highly regarded for being particularly accurate and reliable and strong. This movement is known as a ‘butterfly’ movement because the lightened rotor resembles a butterfly wing. Here it is in sparkling condition and working perfectly following a thorough overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker.

The movement is signed Montres Rolex SA Geneva, Twenty Five Jewels, Adjusted to Five Positions, along with the Calibre Number 1560.

As part of the restoration of the watch, the movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using original Rolex parts only where required, by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. His work is superb and when tested and calibrated,  the watch was running consistently within +12 seconds per day, which is exceptional for any vintage watch of this age. This movement has a 42-hour power reserve. This watch is perfectly suited for regular everyday use and is now ready for many more years of faithful service. The watch is offered with twelve months warranty on the movement*.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Watch Case

The original 18ct yellow gold case measures 34mm, not including the Rolex Oyster screw-down crown. After cleaning and careful inspection for fatigue marks, the case has been passed and carefully restored by sympathetic light hand polishing which was all which was required to bring the case back to its current condition. It is immaculate, with no scratches, dings or similar marks visible to the naked eye. The watch-case has the early shallow fluted bezel as opposed to the later, more dominant fluted bezel. The screw-down case-back is high polished and importantly, is full thickness and has never been inscribed. The inside of the case-back carries the Rolex model number 1005 with 18ct Swiss Geneva hallmarks and is signed Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland. The case carries a clear serial number, 646,157 between the lugs at 6 o’clock, along with the model number 1005 again at 12 o’clock. The serial number makes the date of manufacture of the watch to 1957.

The Strap & Buckle

A new high quality Brown Lizard strap has been fitted, along with a matching gold plated Rolex buckle. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of 19mm straps if you wish here.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1957. Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months warranty*.  A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

The matching Rolex Oyster inner and outer presentation boxes as shown in the photographs will be included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is a truly first class example of a 1957 vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use and if treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece. Even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel good examples such as this are still undervalued and as each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.

To summarise, this is a highly collectable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which is ready to wear, use, treasure and enjoy. It will provide excellent reliability and a sound financial investment, as long-lasting as the watch itself!

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before then restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

If you have any questions please call on Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.

Please note we welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.

We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.