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
Rolex hand-wound Chronometers are very special watches, due to the precision of their movements which were designed to meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability for their day. These were independently tested and certified by an official Observatory, usually Swiss or British, such as Neuchatel Observatory, Geneva Observatory, or Kew Observatory in London. Tests for the accuracy and reliability of individual watches were carried out over numerous weeks in 6 positions and over a range of temperatures. Only individual watches which passed these incredibly strict tests qualified and were granted permission to be classed as “Chronometer grade” watches. Furthermore, each year special Prizes were awarded to the manufacturer who submitted the most accurate wristwatch, and the manufacturer who submitted the highest number of watches to qualify as Chronometers. Manufacturers competed fiercely for these prizes as they were highly coveted and publicised. Just as with the motor manufacturers associated with Formula 1 Grand Prix winners of yesteryear and today, the publicity was priceless. Rolex, Omega, Longines and Zenith were the most successful manufacturers in submitting watches which passed these tests and also winning prizes as outright winners.
Vintage Rolex Chronometers remain as equally prized today as they were when they were first made. Here we have a beautiful and amazingly well cared for example of a super rare 18ct pink gold Rolex Precision Chronometer from 1935. This is Rolex model reference 4221 and quite large for the period at 35mm in diameter, excluding the Rolex crown.
Notable features of this watch include the incredible pink dial with the unique black band, curved case and the use of a pink gold case, rather than the more common yellow gold, not to mention the Chronometer movement, making this a very desirable watch indeed.
The Dial
This previously restored pink Rolex dial is one of the most notable features of the watch. A pink dial with the white 1 – 12 Standard Arabic numerals which sit upon a unique black band and a 18ct pink gold watch case is always a sweet spot with so many watch enthusiasts, and here we have a superb example. All of this matched with the original unrestored ‘Stick’ hands which are very slim and elegant.
The subsidiary seconds dial is a staple of the 1930s and here, Rolex does not disappoint, add an outer dash minute track and this dial is complete.
The dial is signed ‘Rolex’, ‘Chronometer’ with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom of the dial.
This dial has been previously restored to a very high standard, as can be seen, remains in outstanding condition.
The Movement
The high grade Cal.700 chronometer 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 movements are very highly regarded for their accuracy and reliability and this movement has been calibrated to run arrow straight within -10 seconds per day! This is no exaggeration – we have checked the test results on our electronic watch timer. This movement also has a really excellent 45-hour power reserve when fully wound.
The movement is signed ‘Rolex’, ‘Chronometer’, ‘Swiss Made’, and ’18 Rubis’ and marked with the Calibre 700. In addition, it carries the reference number E4211. 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.
The Case
The 18ct pink gold watch case measures 35mm in diameter, excluding the correct Rolex unsigned crown. This is a larger sized watch for 1935, although the bezel on this wonderful watch is thin and therefore makes the watch look larger on the wrist. The case, the case-back and bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch has been beautifully well cared for and so after a close inspection has simply required a careful clean and a gentle polish to bring it back to its current, almost as new condition.
Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct with ‘Rolex S.A’, ‘31 Victoires Haute Precision’, ‘Geneve Suisse’, 18ct hallmarks and the model reference 4221.
Please note – This watch was not specified as water-resistant when new. As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap and Buckle
A new, high quality black leather strap has been fitted, along with a pink gold-plated Rolex 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 straps in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at our full range of straps if you wish here.
Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1935.
Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this 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 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.
The Rolex presentation box shown in the photographs is included.
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 that happen to visit the UK 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 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 truly unique example of an early 1930s 18ct Pink Gold Rolex Chronometer which is ready to wear and completely practical for evening wear or everyday use, as you so wish. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece as well as something to wear, treasure and enjoy.
A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before 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.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.
We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
