Rolex
Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, the partnership soon 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 wonderful mid-sized Rolex Oyster Perpetual model reference 6551 with a superb heart & arrows black dial in 18ct gold from 1956.
This very high quality piece contains the Rolex Calibre 1130 automatic movement which is the smaller version of the classic Oyster Perpetual movement. This watch has a 30mm Oyster case with the rare Metropolitan bezel.
This rare watch is in immaculate condition throughout and is a perfect trouble-free vintage automatic Rolex watch for a lady.
It has been fully restored and the movement is in sparkling clean condition.
The Dial
The watch carries a wonderful and very rare example of the beautiful Heart & Arrows hour indices black dial. This was an early forerunner to the classic Rolex design which carries through to this day. The dial looks wonderful against the gold case and the original restored Rolex 1950s ‘Dauphine’ hands. The dial carries the perennial Rolex Coronet at the very top of the dial and is signed ‘Rolex Oyster Perpetual’ and ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’ with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom.
This is the original dial which has been sympathetically and beautifully restored to the highest standards by our dial restorers, who are regarded the best in the UK. The lens has been replaced with a new original, as part of the restoration.
The Watch Case
The 18ct yellow gold case is in tip-top condition and measures 30mm, excluding the original Rolex signed, Oyster screw-down crown.
The case carries the rare Metropolitan bezel, sometimes often referred to as the Thunderbird bezel. This carries a light radial engraving which here is in perfect condition. This again is rare, because this part of the watch case is most prone to damage.
The case has been professionally cleaned, carefully inspected and required only light polishing. It is in superb condition with no scratches, dings or other damage, visible to the naked eye.
Inside the case-back, all the markings are as expected and correct with the Rolex signature. Signed ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland’, along with Geneva Swiss 18ct hallmarks and the model reference number 6551. The watch also carries a clear case serial number 386572 between the lugs at 6 o’clock which confirms the date of manufacture of this watch as 1955/1956. Between the lugs at 12 is the Rolex model reference number 6551 and ‘18K’.
Please note – even though this watch was specified as waterproof when new, and the rubber seals have been replaced on the case-back and crown, the water-resistance of this watch has not been tested and is not guaranteed.
As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Watch Movement
The original high grade “Officially Certified Chronometer” 26 Jewels, Rolex Calibre 1130 ‘butterfly’ movement is very highly regarded for being particularly accurate, reliable and strong. This movement is known as a ‘butterfly’ movement, due to the lightened rotor which resembles a butterfly wing. Here, it is in sparkling condition and working perfectly following a thorough overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This includes dismantling the watch to all its component parts and careful inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Rolex parts, then careful reassembly and adjustment before final calibration in 5 positions. The watch winds, sets and runs accurately and reliably and after final testing and calibration, is running strongly and accurately within +9 seconds/day, which is outstanding for a watch movement of this age! The power reserve of this watch is 42 hours.
The movement is signed ‘Rolex Perpetual SA Geneva’, ‘Twenty Six Jewels’, ‘Adjusted to Five Positions’ and carries the movement reference number 32689 and the Calibre number 1130.
This watch movement is now ready for many more years of faithful service and is perfectly suited for everyday use. We are therefore very confident in offering this watch with our extendable 12-month warranty on the movement*.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.
The Strap and Buckle
This watch is fitted with a high quality brown Alligator strap with a gold-plated Rolex buckle. However, if a different style or colour 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 burgundy and brown in stock, in plain padded leather, alligator, crocodile skin or lizard skin. Please check out the excellent range of 17mm straps at our partner website: www.watchobssession.co.uk
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to 1955/1956.
Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will also be provided at the time of sale and our ‘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 watch comes complete with the Rolex Oyster presentation box shown in the photographs.
In Conclusion
This is a truly top class example of a ladies vintage gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual, in wonderful condition. The watch is ready to wear and totally practical for everyday use. If treated with care it will make an excellent investment or family heirloom piece as well as be something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy!
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 
