Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.1002 18ct Pink Gold 1952

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 highly elegant and extremely rare Rolex Oyster Perpetual in 18ct pink gold from 1952 including the orignal 18ct pink gold Rolex rivet bracelet. This is Rolex model reference 1002, with the Rolex Calibre 1560, 26 Jewel Chronometer grade movement which is superbly accurate and reliable, even by current day standards. The movement has been overhauled and serviced and is in sparkling condition.

At 34mm in diameter, excluding the Rolex crown, this is a large-sized watch by the standards of the period. This watch case also carries a wonderful plain bezel.

The Dial

A wonderful example of an early Rolex Oyster Perpetual dial with beautiful, gilt ‘arrowhead’ hour indices. This is the forerunner to the iconic Rolex design which carries through to this day. Here in a wonderful and rare silver starburst finish, it looks wonderful against the pink gold case. The dial carries the original, unrestored and untouched Rolex 1950s ‘dauphine’ hands and applied ‘arrowhead’ hour indices with, of course, the perennial Rolex Coronet at the very top of the dial.

The dial is signed ‘Rolex Oyster Perpetual’, ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’ with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom of the dial.

As this dial is in original, unrestored condition, this has been left untouched by our restoration team due to its wonderful unrestored condition. Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however we decided in this case, to leave it alone 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 Movement

The watch carries its original very high grade ‘Superlative Chronometer’ Calibre 1560, 26 Jewel automatic movement which is in sparklingly clean condition. The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced by our watchmaker. This means it has been fully dismantled to all its component parts, before ultrasonic cleaning, microscope inspection and replacement of parts with new originals where required. Then careful reassembly and oiling ready for final testing and calibration. The watch is now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at +9 seconds per day, which is truly outstanding for any watch of this age. It is therefore ready for many more years of reliable service. This movement has a 44 hour power reserve when fully wound.

The movement is all correctly signed ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Swiss’ and ‘Twenty Six Jewels’ with the Calibre number 1560 and the serial number D64962.

These Chronometer grade movements are very strong, accurate and reliable making this watch perfectly suitable for evening wear and everyday use. This particular movement is in superb A1 condition and with regular servicing, every 3 – 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run happily for many more years to come! We are pleased to offer a 12 month warranty on this watch movement*.

*Please note – our 12 month warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Watch Case

The extremely rare and highly sought after 18ct pink gold case is in tip-top condition and measures 34mm, excluding the original Rolex signed Oyster screw-down crown which would have been considered a large sized gentlemans wristwatch for the 1950s. This case also carries a wonderful plain bezel.

The case has been professionally cleaned and 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 correctly signed ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland’, along with Geneva Swiss 18ct hallmarks and the model reference number 1002. The watch also carries a very clear case serial number 826491 between the lugs at 6 o’clock which confirms the date of manufacture of this watch as 1952. Between the lugs at 12 reads ‘Registered Design’ and ‘Registered 1002’.

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 Bracelet

This incredible, fully original Rolex Oyster Perpetual carries a period correct, matching, 18ct pink gold rivet bracelet which is very close to perfect condition. The bracelet has simply been cleaned and lightly polished to bring it back to the condition you see here. Setting the catch to the shortest adjustment the bracelet will fit a 17.8cm wrist, then when setting the catch to the longest adjustment the bracelet will fit a 20.3cm wrist and has 13 links.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings 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 watch comes complete with an original Rolex Oyster presentation box, 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.