Description
Here we have a rare and historic Ladies Rolex wristwatch, in pink gold from 1915. The watch case is double signed both ‘W&D’ and ‘Rolex’ just as it should be, as this watch was produced during the very earliest days of Rolex history. The two original partners were named Wilsdorf & Davis and traded under this name from 1905 onwards. In 1908 they registered the Rolex trademark, however, it was not until 1919 that the Rolex company as we know it today became properly established. This was when Hans Wilsdorf bought out his partner and moved the headquarters to 18 Rue du Marche, Geneva, and formed the manufacturing company Montres Rolex S.A.
The Dial
The white dial is typical of this period with Breguet style numerals and the ‘red 12’ which was almost always used on these very early watches. The dial is complete with its original blued steel ‘Cathedral’ style hands.
This example also carries the stud seconds register around the outer edge of the dial and is simply signed ‘Rolex’ and with Swiss Made at the very bottom.
This is, all in all, a very clear and legible dial for such a small watch.
This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by our dial restorers, considered to be the best in the UK.
The Movement
The original movement here is referred to as a Rolex Rebberg movement and it was this movement which helped to establish Rolex and make the company famous. It was made by the Swiss Aegler company, with whom Rolex formed a partnership. Rebberg is a Swiss district where the factory that produced these movements was located. The movement is a 15 Jewel, 9¾ Ligne, meaning this is the smaller-sized Rolex Rebburg movement. The movement is signed ‘Rolex’ and ‘15 Jewels’.
As part of the restoration of this watch, the movement has been overhauled and serviced by our vintage watch specialist watchmaker. This involves dismantling the watch to all its component parts and careful inspection under high magnification, then replacement where necessary with only original parts before careful reassembly and adjustment.
Please note – Rolex watches of this period are reliable and accurate by the standards of their day. However, they need to be treated with some care, so while perfectly suited for special occasions, we would not recommend this watch for everyday use.
The Case
The original 9ct pink gold case measures 28mm in diameter, excluding the onion crown, making this a small-sized ladies watch by modern standards. The watch has original hoop hinged lugs which help the watch sit perfectly on the wrist. The crown is correct for this watch and is unsigned, as was usual at the time. The watch case is double hinged to reveal the dial and the movement and the inside of the case back is double signed with both the earlier ‘W&D’ Wilsdorf and Davies signature and the later ‘Rolex’. Glasgow UK 9ct hallmarks are also shown, which date this watch to 1915.
The watch case is in tip-top condition with no scratches, dings or dimples visible to the naked eye. The integrity of the case and case hinges is first class. This is all quite amazing, considering this watch is over 100 years old.
As always our standard advice applies, vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap & Buckle
A new high quality black leather strap has been fitted, along with a plain pink gold-plated buckle. Please note, we feel this strap matches the watch nicely, 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, and crocodile skin or lizard skin. However, we can also obtain most types and colours at short notice.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, all the numbers and markings on the watch are correct, dating the watch to 1915.
A detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included in the sale, along with our detailed receipt and 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided at the time of sale, along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If at any time, 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 Rolex presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale of this watch.
In Conclusion
This is a beautiful example of a very early Rolex which is in remarkable mechanical and cosmetic condition and one which will make an excellent investment as well as be something to wear, use, treasure and enjoy. Vintage Rolex prices have risen markedly of late, but we still feel fine and special examples such as this are undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage watches expands and availability becomes more limited, prices are surely destined to climb ever higher!
A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before 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 inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are a number of well-known stores in West London which are very 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 wish to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or International 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 that happen to visit the UK 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 your watch directly to you there.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.
We will be happy to Service, Repair or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
If you have any questions, please call our landline 020 7727 7095 or mobile 07515 949 250 or if calling from overseas our landline number is +44 207 727 7095 or mobile +44 7515 949 250.
We await your call! We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale. If you would like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting, we will also be very happy to hear from you.
Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches!
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
