Description
Here we have a rather early and very special fully restored vintage Rolex Precision gentleman’s dress watch in 18ct yellow gold from circa 1945. At 33.5mm in diameter, this is a large sized Rolex Precision for this period. The watch case has simply wonderful elongated teardrop lugs which extend the overall size of the case to 39mm. This watch also has the highly sought after subsidiary seconds hand dial and original gilt ‘Lance’ hands. Rolex Precisions of this age with teardrop lugs, in 18ct gold are very rare.
The Dial
The Silver-White dial carries applied gilt baton hour indices and beautifully restored original ‘Lance’ hands. This dial also carries a subsidiary seconds dial, which we are seeing significantly increased demand for, on these larger Rolex Precisions. The overall effect with the thin integral bezel and elongated teardrop lugs is one of high sophistication and style. This is a perfectly balanced dial with the Rolex ‘Coronet’ and ‘Rolex Precision’ signature at 12.
This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by our dial restorers which are considered to be the best in the UK.
The Case
The original Rolex Swiss made 18ct yellow gold watch case measures 33.5mm, excluding the correct Rolex nipple crown. This is a large sized gent’s Rolex Precision by the standards of its day.
18ct Rolex Precisions are much rarer than 9ct gold. This case is of exceptional quality and as with all these early Rolex Swiss made cases, it carries the Rolex ‘Coronet’ inscribed on the outside of the case back. These features alone elevate the watch to the very top of top-class examples.
The case is of two-piece construction with a press fit case-back which fits and clicks back with a firm and reassuring click. The case-back is highly polished, of full thickness and has never been engraved. Inside the case-back, all the markings are correct and as expected with the early Rolex scroll signature, along with Geneva, Swiss 18ct hallmarks and the Rolex model reference numbers 256 and 4332. These markings indicate the watch was manufactured in 1945.
As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Movement
This watch carries the original high grade Rolex Calibre 10½ Hunter, 17 Jewels Super Balance movement, which as can be seen in the photographs is in sparkling condition. This hand-wound movement has been fully overhauled and serviced. This means it has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using original Rolex parts and specified lubricants as required, by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. When tested and calibrated, this watch was running to within +9 seconds per day, which is outstanding for any vintage watch of this age. When fully wound, this movement also has a 44-hour power reserve. The movement is all correctly signed ‘Rolex Precision’, 17 Rubis and ‘Swiss Made’.
These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable, making this watch perfectly appropriate for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing every 3 – 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run very happily for many more decades to come! We are therefore more than pleased to offer a 12 month warranty on this watch movement* and regular servicing in the future.
Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.
The Strap & Buckle
A new high quality, Brown Crocodile strap has been fitted, along with a gold plated Rolex buckle. Please note, we feel the strap matches the watch nicely, 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, however, we can also obtain most types and colours at short notice.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, all the numbers and markings on the watch are correct, dating the watch to C1945. A detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included in the sale, along with our detailed receipt and 12 months warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided at the time of sale, along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If at any time, 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 vintage Rolex presentation box shown in the photographs will be included with this watch.
Payment and Delivery
If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this. 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.
Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.
We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.
For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.
As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.
In Conclusion
This is a rare and first class example of a highly collectable and highly practical vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy! It will make an excellent evening wear dress watch as well as a practical highly accurate and reliable timepiece to use on an everyday basis.
Vintage gold Rolex Precision watches are highly collected and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong. This watch will make an excellent investment and family heirloom piece and even though vintage Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we feel fine examples such as this still remain undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage watches expands, availability will become more limited so prices are surely destined to climb ever higher!
A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring these 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 inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are a number of well known stores in West London which are very 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 wish to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or International Bank Wire Transfer, we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.
Please note, we welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.
We will be happy to Service, Repair or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
If you have any questions, please call our landline 020 7727 7095 or mobile 07515 949 250. Or if calling from overseas our landline number is +44 207 727 7095 or mobile +44 7515 949 250.
We await your call! We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale. If you would like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting, we will also be very happy to hear from you.
Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine Vintage Gold Watches!
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
