Rolex
It is not quite so well known that Rolex was actually founded in the UK in London in 1905 and it was not until 1919 that the company transferred its base of operations to Geneva, Switzerland. It is also a misconception that the world of luxury watches is a gentlemans one, as the first recorded wristwatch was actually designed for a lady. In June 1810, Abraham-Louis Breguet made a watch for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples. For many decades, women have proudly worn Rolex watches and have been integral to the brand’s success.
Description
Here we have a historic Ladies Rolex in 9ct pink gold, complete with its original expandable Rolex bracelet, from 1920. The condition of the bracelet, watch case, movement and original, unrestored dial indicate this watch has only ever seen very occasional and careful use.
It is not so well known that Rolex was actually founded in the UK in London in 1905 and it was not until 1919 that the company transferred its base of operations to Geneva, Switzerland. The company’s founders Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis simply used their initials W&D until around 1910, when they began to use the name Rolex. This particular watch is one of the rare examples which carries both W&D and Rolex trademarks.
The Dial
The original, unrestored gilt dial is typical of this period with Breguet style numerals and the outer minute railtrack, this watch also has the wonderful addition of the subsidiary seconds dial at 6. The dial is complete with its original blued steel ‘Cathedral’ style hands.
This dial is simply signed with ‘Rolex’ at the very top of the dial.
The lens has also been replaced as part of the restoration so is fresh and scratch free.
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 high-grade, 15 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.
The example here is running perfectly, having been calibrated to run consistently within plus or minus 9 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.
The movement is simply signed ‘Rolex’ and ‘Swiss Made’. 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 Case
The original 9ct pink gold octagonal case measures 25mm in width, excluding the correct unsigned crown. This makes this a small-sized ladies watch by modern standards. The crown is correct for this watch and is unsigned, as was usual at the time. The watch case has a double hinged press fit case back to reveal the movement, this fits perfectly back in with a satisfying ‘pop’.
Opening the double hinged case-back reveals it is double signed with both ‘Rolex Swiss’ and ‘W&D’ for Wilsdorf and Davies, the correct Swiss 9ct hallmarks and also the case serial number 1161140.
The watch case is in tip-top condition with no scratches, dings or dimples visible to the naked eye and 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 Bracelet
The watch is fitted with its original 9ct Pink Gold Rolex signed expandable bracelet. This bracelet has been fully dismantled and completely re-sprung. Please note – this bracelet will expand to make it a perfect fit for a wrist size of between 18.4cm – 21cm.
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 1920.
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”.
This watch comes complete with a jeweler’s 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.
In Conclusion
This beautiful vintage 9ct pink gold Ladies Rolex dress watch is in superb original condition and also from horology’s most famous name. It will provide an excellent financial investment as well as be something to wear, treasure and enjoy and make the perfect evening wear dress watch as well as a practical, highly accurate and reliable timepiece to use on an everyday basis. Although this is one of our more expensive watches, its quality will be remembered for long after its purchase price will be forgotten.
A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before 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.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a 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.
If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
