Description
While the gents Rolex Precision was Rolex’ best selling watch through the 1950s and ’60s, many are surprised to learn there was also a ladies Precision, sold at the same time. These made up around 10% of all the Rolex Precisions produced. Half of these were sold on leather straps and half on integral Rolex gold bracelets. These were expensive watches at the time because it is much more difficult to produce the much smaller 13.75mm diameter Rolex Calibre 1400 or 280 series movements, to the same levels of accuracy and reliability as the movements in larger gents watches.
The watch we have here is an absolutely delightful example of the ladies Rolex Precision cocktail watch in 18ct white gold from 1961. This watch is complete with its original integral Rolex bracelet, also in 18ct white gold. The overall condition indicates this watch has only ever seen very occasional and careful use.
The Dial
The silver-white, ‘starburst’ dial with applied white gilt ‘Pencil’ and ‘Arrowhead’ hour indices, is, as can be seen in the close-up photographs, in superb condition. The dial is complete with its original ‘Alpha’ style hands which are also tip-top, especially considering the age of the watch.
The dial is crowned with the usual Rolex ‘Coronet’ at 12 and is signed ‘Rolex’ below, along with ‘Precision’ at 6 and ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom of the dial.
Both the dial and hands are original, untouched and unrestored. Normally we restore the dials of all the watches listed on this website, but we felt this to be completely unnecessary in this case.
The Case
A simply beautiful array of diamonds and white gold. The case design is simple and elegant, meaning this watch can be dressed up for evening wear, or dressed down for use during the day.
The case and bracelet are made of 18ct white gold and carry french hallmarks to the outside of the case, opposite the crown. The case measures 15mm in diameter, excluding the correct Rolex signed crown. The bezel is studded with 16 diamonds and the lugs each carry 3 larger diamonds.
The case-back carries the case reference number 12395 and 3 french 18ct white gold hallmarks. Two of these are to the side of the case opposite the crown while the third is on the case-back. There is also the french case-maker’s mark to the inside of the case-back.
The case is of a very solid two-piece design with an integral bezel. This design improves water and dust resistance. The press-fit case-back clicks into place with a firm and satisfying ‘pop’, indicating it is a nice tight fit. The case-back is of full thickness and has never been inscribed.
This watch has been exceptionally well cared for and so the case has simply required a clean, a thorough inspection and then a gentle hand-polish to bring it back to its current like new condition. There are therefore no scratches, dings, dimples, or other forms of damage visible to the naked eye.
Please note – our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Movement
The high grade Calibre 282, 17 Jewel, hand-wound movement is in incredibly clean and sparkling condition and has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our expert vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker.
Rolex went to considerable lengths to ensure its 13.75mm diameter, Cal.280 series movements performed equally well to its larger gents Precision movements, and it succeeded. These are indeed high precision movements and the example here is running perfectly, having been calibrated to run consistently within plus or minus 2 seconds per day! This is truly outstanding for any mechanical watch and it is no exaggeration – we have checked the test results on our electronic watch timegrapher. This movement also has an excellent power reserve of 44 hours when fully wound.
The movement is signed ‘Rolex Swiss Geneve’ and ’17 Jewels’ and it is marked with the Calibre number 282. This particular movement is in beautiful condition and with regular servicing, say every 3 to 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to continue to run very happily for many more decades to come. We are therefore totally confident in offering this watch with our 12 months written warranty*.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Bracelet
The original integral Rolex bracelet is in matching solid 18ct white gold and is in immaculate condition, showing no signs of wear or damage, visible to the naked eye.
The bracelet remains at its original standard 16cm length, which means the watch and bracelet are a perfect fit for a lady with a wrist size/circumference of 16 centimetres. The Rolex signed clasp and lock, provide an adjustment of 0.5 centimetres either way, meaning the watch will be a perfect fit for a wrist size 15.5cm – 16.5cm or 6.25 inches to 6.5 inches. The bracelet can, however, easily be made smaller by our jeweller, by removing one or two links.
The bracelet is, as expected, superbly made and quite weighty and substantial. It is also in wonderful condition. While the links do not stretch, they are just flexible enough to hug the wrist beautifully with no gaps or unevenness in any of the links. The original Rolex signed clasp is superbly designed and also quite substantial, with a secure second catch which effectively locks the bracelet on the wrist. This means it is impossible for the clasp to become accidentally undone and for the watch to become loose on the wrist. Please call or message us to discuss if you have any queries about the bracelet or any other aspect of the watch.
Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating this watch to 1961. A detailed written receipt with 12 months warranty*, and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of the 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 original, vintage Rolex presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.
In Conclusion
This is a superb, highly collectable and totally usable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as be something to treasure and enjoy! It will make the perfect gift as well as a practical, accurate and reliable timepiece to use on a regular basis, as you so wish.
A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very best quality watches we can find, before then restoring these 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 us on 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas please call +44 207 727 7095.
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 this.
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.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
