Description
While the gents Rolex Precision was its best selling watch throughout the 1950s and 1960s, many will be surprised to learn that Rolex produced a ladies Precision, sold around the same time. These made up around 10% of all the Rolex Precisions produced. Half of these were sold on leather straps with the other half on integral Rolex gold bracelets. These were very expensive watches at the time because it was a much greater challenge for Rolex to produce these much smaller diameter watches to the same required levels of accuracy and reliability.
Here we have a superb example of the ladies Rolex Precision cocktail watch in 9ct yellow gold from 1961. This watch is complete with its original integral Rolex bracelet, also in 9ct gold. The condition of the watch and bracelet indicates this watch has only ever seen very occasional and very careful use.
The Dial
The Silver-White dial with applied diamond shaped hour indices is simple, elegant and functional. The dial is complete with its original ‘Alpha’ style hands which are in amazing condition, considering the age of the watch.
Please note – at 15mm diameter, excluding the crown, this is quite a small watch in comparison with most others. However, the dial is clear and easy to read, even at arm’s length.
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.
The Case
The 9ct yellow gold case measures 15mm in diameter, excluding the correct Rolex signed crown.
Please note – the size of the winding crown may look overly large in certain photographs. This is because the watch is small in comparison and the crown needs to be of adequate size in order to wind it. However please be assured, it is the correct original Rolex crown for this watch.
On the inside of the case-back, the markings are all correct for a Rolex case made by one of its two U.K. case-makers. The case is signed ‘DS&S’, meaning this watch case was made for Rolex by D. Shackman and Son. Shackman watch cases are considered by many to be the very best of all the Rolex cases produced at this time. Even better quality, dare we say, than Rolex Swiss made cases of the same period.
The case-back also carries the case reference number 1563 and London UK 9ct hallmarks which date this watch to 1961. The case is 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 or 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 Rolex Calibre 282, 17 Jewel, hand-wound movement is, as can be seen, 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 and expense to ensure its ladies cocktail watches performed as equally well as its larger gents precision movements, and they succeeded! These are indeed high precision movements and the example here is running perfectly, having been calibrated to run consistently within plus or minus 6 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 another 50+ years! 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 signed bracelet is also in matching solid 9ct yellow gold. The bracelet is in immaculate condition, showing no signs of wear or damage visible to the naked eye.
At 15.5cm, the bracelet size is very close to its original standard 16cm length, which means the watch and bracelet are a perfect fit for a lady with a wrist size/circumference of 15.5 centimetres, or 6 inches. The Rolex signed clasp and lock provide an adjustment of 1.5 centimetres, meaning the watch will fit a wrist size of 15cm to 16.5cm or 5 inches to 6.5 inches.
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 also 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. The bracelet is also fitted with a safety chain. Please call or message us to discuss this, 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 green Rolex pouch 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 on 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 on our Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas please call us on our 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 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 
