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
The watch we have here is an absolutely delightful example of a ladies Rolex Precision dress watch in 9ct yellow gold from 1937. The white dial, blued steel hands, and wonderful yellow gold hour indices all complement each other and the subsidiary dial balances the dial perfectly.
The Dial
The white dial carries 1 – 12 standard Arabic numerals and very unusually for a watch of this size, a subsidiary seconds dial in the lower half of the dial. This was a rare feature at the time on a ladies watch of this size, due to the complexity of including this feature on such a very small watch movement.
As can be seen in the close-up photographs, the dial is in superb condition. The dial is complete with its original blued steel ‘leaf’ style hands, which are also in tip-top condition.
Please note, at 22mm diameter, excluding the crown, this is a mid-sized ladies watch in comparison with most others of the period. However, the dial, gilt hands and gilt hour indices make the dial easy to read, even at arm’s length.
The dial is complete with the usual Rolex ‘Coronet’ below 12 and is simply signed ‘Rolex’ and ‘Precision’.
The Movement
The high grade Calibre 1300, 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 movement is signed ‘Rolex’, ‘Swiss Made’, ‘Fab Suisse’ and ’15 Rubis’ (Jewels) and it is marked with the Calibre number 1300. This particular movement is in beautiful condition and with care and 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*.
Note, small ladies Rolex of this vintage are not expected to remain as accurate as a larger watch or a more modern movement. We therefore typically see an accuracy of 30 seconds per day on these watches, while 1 minute per day is not outside expected parameters.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Case
The 9ct yellow gold case measures 22mm in diameter, excluding the correct Rolex unsigned crown. Please note, the size of the winding crown may seem 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.
Inside the case-back the markings are all correct and as expected for a Swiss made Rolex case. The case is signed ‘R.W.C. Ltd’ for Rolex Watch Co Ltd and ‘25 Worlds Records’, ‘Geneva-Suisse‘ with Swiss 9ct hallmarks.
The case is of a very solid two-piece design with an integral bezel who was designed to improve 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 and of full-thickness, having never been inscribed.
This watch has been exceptionally well cared for and therefore 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 with 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 Strap & Buckle
A new high quality, black leather strap has been fitted, along with a plain gold-plated buckle. 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 1937.
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”.
The high quality hardwood presentation box shown in the photographs is included with the 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. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. 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 
