Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18K 1957 Pearl Dial

Description

A simply beautiful and very lightly used example of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer in 18ct yellow gold from 1957. The watch has the most classic, elegant dial in pearl white with wonderful Dauphine hands which pair perfectly with the double arrowhead and spear hour indices. The absence of a date function is often preferred as this enables the dial to retain its perfect balance.

This watch is Rolex model reference 1005 with the Rolex Calibre 1560, 25 Jewel Chronometer grade movement which is superbly accurate and reliable. At 34mm diameter, not including the crown, this is quite a large sized watch by 1950s standards. The watch case has the more sought after plain bezel which adds to the clean lines of this watch.

The watch is immaculate throughout and the movement is sparking clean and working perfectly following a full overhaul and service as part of the restoration of this beautiful watch.

The Dial

If you have looked at a number of vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetuals you will have probably noticed, very rarely are two the same. The hour indices in particular, vary a great deal. Paired with (the original) ‘Dauphine’ hands as they are here, they are almost always approximately triangular, usually in the form of an arrowhead or spear, pointing towards the hands. There are many subtle variations in shape which often go overlooked and which make a huge difference to the character of the dial. The double arrowhead and spear hour indices here are some of the nicest and these pair beautifully with the hands.

The colour of this dial is also quite special as it is slightly Off White with a very slight pearl finish which adds depth and catches the light beautifully. You will notice from photos 2 and 8 above, the dial also has a very light starburst effect.

The Watch Case

The original 18ct yellow gold case measures 34mm, not including the Rolex Oyster screw-down crown. The watch has the rarer plain bezel which is preferred by many, rather than the usual fluted bezel. The screw-down case-back is highly polished and full thickness and has never been inscribed. The case has been professionally cleaned, inspected and restored through very light hand polishing. The bezel, case and case-back are all in immaculate condition with no scratches, dings or similar marks visible to the naked eye. This, along with the superb condition of the rest of the watch, indicates to us this watch has seen very little use.

Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct and as expected. The Rolex signature; Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland and the Rolex model numbers 1005 and 1002 (as this is a transition case), along with 18ct Swiss Geneva hallmarks. The case also carries the external serial number 646,151 between the lugs at 6’ along with the model number 1002 again, at 12’. The case serial number equates to the date of manufacture of this watch, which was 1957.

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” 25 Jewels, 1560 calibre ‘butterfly’ movement is very highly regarded for being particularly accurate, reliable and strong. This movement is known as a ‘butterfly’ movement because the lightened rotor 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 means dismantling the watch to all its component parts and careful inspection under high magnification. Replacement where necessary with only genuine parts, then careful reassembly and adjustment, before final calibration in 5 positions. This watch therefore winds, sets and runs accurately and reliably. At final test and calibration, the movement is running strongly and accurately within +1 seconds/day**, which is truly outstanding for a watch movement of this age!

This watch movement is now ready for many more years of faithful service and is perfectly suited for everyday use and is offered with a 12 month warranty on the movement*.

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

** One of our most accurate results so far this year!

The movement is signed Rolex SA Geneva, Twenty Five Jewels, Adjusted to Five Positions and carries the movement reference number 40678 and the Calibre number 1560.

The Strap & Buckle

A new high quality Brown Crocodile strap has been fitted, along with a matching 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 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 huge range of 19mm straps if you wish here.

The 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 1957. Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months Warranty*.  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 totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

The matching Rolex Oyster inner and outer presentation boxes as shown in the photographs are included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is a truly first class example of a 1957 vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 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.

To summarise, this is a highly collectable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which is ready to wear, use, treasure and enjoy and one which will provide excellent reliability and a sound financial investment, as long-lasting as the watch itself!

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 on Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.

Please note, we welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.

We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.