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 simply wonderful and rare Rolex Precision gentleman’s dress watch from 1952. The watch you see here is particularly rare due to having a large 34mm 18ct yellow gold case which is complete with a black dial and a subsidiary seconds dial. The interior of the case-back is double signed R.W.C and Rolex, all of these aspects, making this watch a very rare piece.
The Dial
This beautiful, previously restored black dial is perfectly balanced with a mix of applied 1 – 12 standard Arabic numerals and ‘pencil’ and ‘stud’ hour indices which are matched by the original and unrestored ‘lance’ hands which are in superb condition. All of these outstanding aspects look perfect upon the previously restored black dial which is completed with a subsidiary seconds dial just above 6.
The dial is signed ‘Rolex’ and ‘Precision’ with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom, below the ‘6’.
This dial has been previously restored to a very high standard and remains in wonderful condition.
The Movement
The high grade Calibre 700 manual wind, superbalance 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 +9 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 Precision’, ‘Swiss Made’, and ’17 Rubis’ and marked with the Calibre 700. In addition, it carries the reference number 64601. 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 two-piece 18ct yellow gold watch case has a classic 1950s honesty and simplicity with outstanding fancy lugs which were very popular during this period. These have a flowing form and significantly elevate the status of the watch. This is all nothing less than pure class. The case measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the correct crown and is in perfect condition. Even under high magnification, it is very hard to find any signs of wear, indicating this watch has seen very little use and has had a charmed life.
The case has been inspected, cleaned and lightly hand-polished to bring it back to the immaculate condition you see here, with no scratches, dimples or marks visible to the naked eye. The case-back is of full-thickness and has never been inscribed. Inside the case-back, all is as expected and correctly signed with the early Rolex scroll, along with the Rolex model reference 4325 and the case reference number 078. Swiss Geneva 18ct hallmarks are also found.
As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
Strap and Buckle
A high quality black cocksfoot strap has been fitted with a matching Rolex gold-plated buckle which we feel finishes this watch perfectly. 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 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 their wonderful 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 1952.
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 in the sale of this watch.
Payment and Delivery
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 who happen to visit London 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 hand 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 first class example of a 1952 vintage Rolex Precision which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece. Even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel good examples such as this are still undervalued and as each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.
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.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
