Rolex
Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, the partnership 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.
During the 1930s and ’40s, Rolex became quite masterful at courting tremendous publicity and excitement through literally being ‘on hand’ during numerous record-breaking events. These were, for example, swimming the English Channel (1927), breaking the world automobile speed record (300mph, 1935), breaking the sound barrier (1947) and climbing Everest for the first time in 1953. No matter how well orchestrated these events came to be, we have to admire Rolex for becoming masters of self-promotion and capitalising on every opportunity with simultaneous worldwide marketing campaigns.
Of course, Rolex is now so ubiquitous it is almost its own kind of its currency. A Rolex is the watch you want on your wrist when you’re in a Third World country when revolution breaks out and there’s only one seat on the plane, – and there’s a guy standing there with a machine gun! You give him a Rolex and he’ll give you the seat!
Description
A particularly fine, large sized gents Rolex Oyster Precision dress watch with a 14ct yellow gold Rolex Oyster case, manufactured in 1956. This is Rolex Model Reference 6422, complete with its original high-grade Cal.1210, 17 Jewel movement which is in superb condition and running strongly and accurately following a recent thorough overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex expert watchmaker. This Rolex Precision has the Rolex Oyster case with a screw-down case-back and Oyster crown. This was therefore specified waterproof when new**. This example comes in fully restored condition and with its inner and outer presentation boxes, as shown.
The Dial
The wonderful original ivory cream dial carries raised gilt 1 – 12 numerals, which along with the ‘technical’ look of the outer minutes and seconds register, makes this one of the most popular Rolex Precision dials. The original restored ‘Lance’ hands, with the centre seconds hand in blued steel, are beautifully simple and elegant, completing this dial perfectly.
This is the original dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.
The Movement
The watch carries its original high-grade Rolex Calibre 1210 Precision movement, which as can be seen is in sparkling clean condition. 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 finally tested and calibrated, the watch was running consistently at +8 seconds per day which is truly exceptional for any vintage watch of this age. The movement is all correctly signed ‘MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA’, ‘SWISS’, and ‘SEVENTEEN 17 JEWELS’, with the calibre number 1210 and the reference number N31345. These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable, making the watch perfectly suited for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in A1 condition and with regular servicing every 2-3 years, we would fully expect this watch to run happily for many more decades to come! We are pleased to offer a 12 month warranty on this watch movement*.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only included if the list price is paid.
The Case
As mentioned in the introduction, this is the rarer Rolex Oyster Precision with a very strong and robust Rolex Swiss made Oyster case. This watch has been very well cared for during the past 60 years and the 14ct solid yellow gold case is in excellent condition, showing no marks, dings or scratches visible to the naked eye. The case has been professionally inspected and cleaned inside and out, then very lightly and carefully polished to bring it back to near new condition. It measures a large 35mm in diameter, excluding the original Rolex Oyster screw-down crown. The Rolex Oyster screw-down crown and screw-down case-back made the watch waterproof when new.
Inside the case-back are found all the correct markings, the early Rolex signature, the Rolex model reference number 6422, along with Geneva Swiss 14ct hallmarks. Externally, the case carries the 6422 Rolex model number between the lugs at 12 and the case serial number, 237108 between the lugs at 6, which dates this watch to 1956.
**Please note – Although the watch was specified as waterproof when new, this has not been tested and it is not guaranteed. As ever our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should always be kept clean and dry and never relied upon to be waterproof, no matter what the original specification.
The Strap and Buckle
The strap fitted is a new very high-quality dark brown Alligator strap with a Rolex gold-plated 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 and in plain padded leather, or crocodile skin or lizard skin. Please check out the excellent range of 19mm straps at our partner website: WatchObssession UK.
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 1956.
A detailed written receipt with 12 months’ warranty*, and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of the 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 shown will be included in the sale.
In Conclusion
This is a very desirable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy! Even though prices have moved forward significantly in the past few years, we still feel gold Rolex watches from this period are undervalued and as each year goes by, the world market for vintage Swiss gold watches is growing almost exponentially so this means prices are highly likely to remain on their steep climb trajectory.
Even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly in the past 12 months, we still feel great examples such as this are undervalued, because as each year goes by, the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches is expanding almost exponentially and so we think prices are destined to climb ever higher in the foreseeable future.
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 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas +44 207 727 7095.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
