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
Here we have the most elegant 9ct Rolex Precision dress watch from 1955 with the classic Rolex ‘coronet’ and silver-white dial.
Note – This is a small to mid-size gents watch for the period at 31mm diameter, not including the crown. However, this is perhaps more suitable as a ladies’ watch today given the modern fashion for much larger gents watches.
The high grade Cal.710, 15 Jewels movement has been fully overhauled and serviced and is running strongly and accurately. This 1955 watch was made shortly after the introduction of the new Rolex Shock-Resisting movement, hence the promotion on the dial.
To finish the watch we have added a new, high-quality black lizard strap. Please note, as, with all our watches, this can be changed for your alternate choice at no extra charge.
The Dial
This is the classic gold over silver-white early 1950′s dial with ‘Pencil’ hour indices and the Rolex ‘Coronet’ at 12 o’clock. The dial is simply signed ‘ROLEX’ and ‘Shock-Resisting’.
The dial is very clear and easy to read in low light and is complete with original restored gilt ‘leaf’ hands and a blued steel seconds hand, both of which look simply fabulous. The lens has been replaced with a new original Rolex part as part of the restoration, so it is fresh and scratch-free.
This is the original dial, restored to the very highest standard by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the U.K.
The Case
The most obvious feature of this watch is its fancy ornate lugs which are unique to this model. The case measures just over 31mm in diameter, excluding the Rolex crown and 38mm, including the lugs. The case was made in England by Dennison for Rolex. Dennison & Sons of Birmingham were one of three English case-makers used by Rolex, the others being Shackman & Sons of London and Britton & Sons of Birmingham U.K. The inside of the case-back is signed A.L.D. for Dennison and Made in England for Rolex with the case reference number 12857, the serial number 699897 and Birmingham UK 9ct hallmarks, dating the watch to 1955.
The professionally polished solid 9ct gold case is in excellent condition and has only minimal signs of wear. The press fit flat case-back clicks into place very satisfyingly and has never been inscribed.
As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Movement
The original, high-grade Cal.710 Rolex signed, hand-wound movement is in spectacularly good condition being completely untarnished and obviously well cared for. This movement has just been serviced by our Master Watchmaker and therefore winds, sets and runs beautifully. It is twice signed ‘ROLEX’ and ‘SWISS MADE’ and carries the Calibre number 710 and the reference number 49490. These movements are very accurate, strong and reliable and seem to last forever! It is keeping excellent time and with regular servicing, say every 3 to 4 years we would fully expect this movement to run reliably for many years to come!
The Strap & Buckle
A new high quality, new black lizard strap is fitted to the watch with a gold plated Rolex buckle.
Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating the watch to to 1955.
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 
