Rolex
It is not quite so well known that Rolex was actually founded in the UK in London in 1905 and it was not until 1919 that the company transferred its base of operations to Geneva, Switzerland. It is also a misconception that the world of luxury watches is a gentlemans one, as the first recorded wristwatch was actually designed for a lady. In June 1810, Abraham-Louis Breguet made a watch for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples. For many decades, women have proudly worn Rolex watches and have been integral to the brand’s success.
Description
Here we have a wonderful example of a completely original, unrestored and untouched Rolex ladies evening wear dress watch in 9ct rose gold from 1914. It is not so well known that Rolex was actually founded in the UK in London in 1905 and it was not until 1919 that the company transferred its base of operations to Geneva, Switzerland. The company’s founders Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis simply used their initials W&D until around 1910, when they began to use the name Rolex. This particular watch is one of the rare examples which carries both W&D and Rolex trademarks.
The Dial
The original, unrestored and untouched porcelain dial is typical of this period with 1- 12 Roman numerals and the ‘red 12’ which was almost always used on these very early watches. The dial is complete with its original unique ‘Cathedral’ style hands.
This example also carries the stud seconds register around the outer edge of the dial and is simply signed ‘Rolex’ just below 12.
This is, all in all, a very clear and legible dial for such a small watch.
As this dial is in original, unrestored condition, this has been left untouched by our restoration team due to its superb condition. Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however we decided in this case to leave it alone, due to its unusually good condition and to retain its originality and charm for those who prefer this. It also helps to contrast with almost all of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored. The hands, likewise, have also been left in their original untouched condition.
Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras, and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you’re seeing may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself. Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.
The Watch Movement
The movement fitted to the watch is the original 9¾, 15 Jewel movement, reserved for Rolex’s highest quality watches of this period.
The movement is in very clean condition having just completed a full overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This means it has been completely dismantled to each of its component parts before cleaning and inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Rolex parts, then careful reassembly, adjustment and oiling to Rolex specification, before final calibration and testing. The movement is now running accurately within +11 seconds per day. We are therefore confident in offering this watch with a 12-month written warranty*.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.
The Case
The original solid 9ct pink gold case measures 28mm in diameter, excluding the correct Rolex crown. Opening the hinged case-back reveals it is double signed with both Rolex and W&D. Also revealed are the London U.K. Hallmarks which date the watch to 1914 and the serial number 499495. The case is in superb condition, indicating the watch has seen only light careful use. Only under very close examination can some small marks be found, commensurate with the age of this piece.
As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Bracelet
The watch is fitted with its original 9ct pink gold ‘Britannic’ signed expandable bracelet, this bracelet is also signed ‘XS’, ‘9ct’ with the serial number 531785 . This bracelet has been fully dismantled and completely re-sprung. Please note – this bracelet will expand comfortably to make it a perfect fit for a wrist size of between 15.9cm – 19.1cm, or 6.25″ inches to 7.5″ inches i.e. a small to medium size ladies wrist.
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 1914.
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”.
This watch comes complete with a green Rolex pouch, as shown in the photographs.
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.
This is a truly first class example of a ladies vintage Rolex 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.
Thank you
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
