Description
Here we have a beautifully refined, 9ct vintage Rolex Precision ‘Oversize’ gentleman’s dress watch from 1954. Rolex Precisions were made in several sizes starting at 30mm in diameter. The majority were 32 and 33mm with some 34mm. Very rarely, Rolex or their UK case makers produced 35mm models as can be seen elsewhere in our collection. Even more rarely 36mm cases exist and are seen from time to time and this size dramatically adds to their desirability and value! We are constantly on the lookout for Rolex Precisions of this size but we still only see and average of say two or three a year. And with 3-6-9-12 Arabic numerals over a white dial make this is a rare and highly sought after watch, especially when found in this condition. This watch is immaculate and you will be unlikely to find a better example!
The Dial
The applied 3 – 6 – 9 – 12 Arabic and wedge shaped hour markers, with applied Rolex Crown over a white dial is a classic 1950s Rolex dial is one of our favourites. Here is an immaculate example and as you will find. This is the original dial which has been very sympathetically restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered perhaps the best in the UK.
The Movement
The watch comes with its original high grade Rolex calibre 1210 Precision movement which as can be seen is in sparkling clean condition. This movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using original Rolex parts only where required by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. When final tested 19th August this watch was calibrated and running within 5 seconds per day, which is outstanding for any vintage watch of this age! The movement is all correctly signed ‘MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA’, ‘SWISS’, and ‘SEVENTEEN 17 JEWELS’ and the Calibre number 1210. These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable making the watch is perfectly suited for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in A1 condition and with regular servicing, every 3 to 4 years we would fully expect this watch to run happily for many more decades to come! We are pleased to offer a 12 months warranty on this watch movement*.
*Please note our 12 months warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Case
Very rarely seen in this size, the case of this Rolex Precision measures 36mm in diameter not including the original crown, therefore this is an exceptionally large sized Rolex Precision, especially for 1954! Inside the case back the markings are all correct for a Rolex case made by one of their two U.K. case-makers, signed Dennison & Son, made in England for Rolex, along with reference numbers 13874 and 582815. The case-back also carries Birmingham 9ct hallmarks dating this watch to 1954. The case, case-back and bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch case has been exceptionally well cared for and so the case has simply required a careful clean and gentle polish to bring it back to its current ‘like new’ condition. The outside of the case back is unmarked and polished and has never been engraved.
The Strap and Buckle
The strap fitted is a new well matched very high quality plain brown leather strap with a Rolex gold plated buckle. Please note 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.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, all the numbers and markings on the watch are all correct, dating the watch to 1954. A detailed written receipt, with a 12 months warranty* and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will be provided at the time of sale. A matching Rolex presentation box will be included in the sale.
In Conclusion
This is a truly first class example of a 1954 vintage Rolex Precision ‘Oversize’ 36mm which is ready to wear and completely practical for every day 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 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 climb ever higher.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
