Rolex
Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving to its new Geneva headquarters in 1919. The success of the wristwatch can be largely attributed to many of Rolex’s innovations which made the company one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These have included its famous “Oyster” case — the world’s first water-resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and its “Perpetual” — the world’s first reliable, self-winding movement for the wristwatch, launched in 1933. These would form the foundation for Rolex’s Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956. Also and equally importantly, Rolex is known for its sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
Description
A most elegant, fully restored 9ct Rolex Precision dress watch from 1954 with classic ‘1 – 12’ numerals on an ivory-white dial. The watch carries its original Rolex Calibre 710, 15 Jewel movement which is very reliable and accurate. This watch is in tip-top condition having recently completed a full restoration by our team.
Please note – although this size and style of this watch, at 30mm diameter, was a considered typical sized gentleman’s watch in the 1950s, it is more suited as a ladies watch today, given the current fashion for oversized watches.
The Dial
The wonderful, original classic Rolex dial with raised gold ‘1 – 12’ numerals is one of our most popular and sought after Rolex Precision dial designs. The original period ‘Leaf’ hands and blued steel centre seconds hand, complete the unmistakable period look and charm of this watch. The dial has been faithfully and sympathetically restored in the original ivory-white, which slightly changes colour depending on the ambient light, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs. The dial is very clear and easy to read in low light.
The dial is signed ‘ROLEX’ and ‘Shock Resisting’. During the early 1950s, significant advances were made through the introduction of shockproof movements and so this was promoted by Rolex and other brands, hence the script. The dial is also signed ‘Swiss Made’ at the bottom.
This is the original dial which has been sympathetically restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK. This is, therefore, as fine a vintage dial restoration as you are likely to see.
The Case
The professionally and lightly polished solid 9ct yellow gold case is in excellent condition having been very well cared for and shows very little signs of wear, visible to the naked eye. The case measures just over 30mm in diameter, excluding the correct Rolex crown. As mentioned above, this makes the watch better suited for a lady given the modern trend for outsized watches.
The press-fit case-back clicks into place very satisfyingly and has never been inscribed. The case was made in England by Dennison for Rolex and the inside of the case-back is signed ‘Dennison’ and ‘Made in England’ with the reference number 12325 and the Dennison serial number 542062 . The watch also carries the correct Birmingham U.K. 9ct gold hallmarks, dating this watch to 1954.
Please note, as ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Movement
The high-grade Cal.710 manual wind movement is incredibly clean and also in incredibly good condition. It has just been overhauled and serviced by our expert watchmaker and is running perfectly. These Rolex Cal. 710 movements are highly regarded for their accuracy and reliability and this movement has been calibrated to run arrow straight within +9 seconds per day! This is no exaggeration – we have checked the test results on our electronic watch time grapher. This movement also has a really excellent 45-hour power reserve when fully wound.
The movement is signed ‘Rolex’, ‘Swiss Made’ and ’15 Rubis’ and marked with the Calibre 710. In addition, it carries the reference number 062. This particular movement is in superb condition and with regular servicing, say every 2-3 years, we would fully expect this watch to run quite happily for many more decades to come. We are therefore very confident in offering this watch with a 12-month written warranty*.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only included if the list price is paid.
Strap and Buckle
A high-quality, new brown Alligator strap is fitted with a gold-plated Rolex buckle. If a different colour or style of strap is preferred, we will do our best to provide this at no extra charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown burgundy and black straps in stock, in plain padded leather, alligator, crocodile or lizard skin.
Box and Papers
Although there is no original paperwork with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to 1954. A detailed Particulars document will be included with the receipt, along with our 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 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”.
In Conclusion
We love to find and make available vintage gold Rolex watches of this quality and condition! This is a superb, highly collectable and usable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy! It will make an excellent evening wear dress watch as well as a practical, highly accurate and reliable time-piece to use on an everyday basis.
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 us on Landline 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
