Ladies Rolex Cocktail / Bracelet Watch 9ct, 1971

Description

Here we have a delightful example of a ladies Rolex cocktail / bracelet watch in 9ct yellow gold from 1971.

This watch is complete with its original integral Rolex bracelet, also in 9ct gold. The condition of the bracelet, watch case,  movement, and dial are superb, indicating this watch has only ever seen very light and careful use.

The Dial

The gold ‘sunburst’ dial with applied gilt ‘baton’ hour indices looks simply wonderful. The simple and elegant design comprises of applied baton hour indices matched with the original ‘Index’ style hands which are in superb condition. The thin bezel and a shallow profile accentuate the dial, leaving the sunburst effect more able to catch the light.

At 24mm, this is perhaps a slightly more modern size for a ladies cocktail watch these days, but this helps emphasise the sunburst effect of the dial. It has been hard to capture the true beauty of this dial, in particular, the way the sunburst effect catches the light. However, please be assured it looks much better in real life, i.e. face to face.

The iconic Rolex Coronet crowns the dial at ‘12’, while below the dial is signed ‘Rolex’, and ‘Geneve’ with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom of the dial.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers, considered to be the best in the UK. The lens is new, having been replaced with an original new replacement, as part of the restoration.

The Case

The 9ct yellow gold case measures 24mm in diameter, excluding the correct Rolex signed crown. As mentioned above, this more ‘modern’ sized ladies cocktail watch helps emphasise the beauty of the dial, and at 7.5mm in depth, this is quite a slim watch.

This watch has been exceptionally well cared for, 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 or dimples, or other damage visible to the naked eye.

Inside the case-back all is correct and as expected. Signed D.S & S for D. Shackman & Sons who were one of three English watch case-makers used by Rolex, the others being Dennison & Sons of Birmingham and Britton & Sons, also of Birmingham UK. Out of the three, Shackman is considered by many to have produced the best Rolex watch cases. The case also carries the case reference number 89219 and London UK hallmarks which date this watch to 1971.

Please note – our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Movement

The high-grade Rolex Calibre 1600, 19 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 and expense to ensure its smaller Cal.1600 series of movements performed equally as well as its larger gents counterparts. Of course, they succeeded. These are indeed high precision movements and the example here is running perfectly.

The movement is signed ‘Rolex’, ‘Swiss’, ‘Geneve’ and ’19 Jewels’ and is marked with the Calibre number 1600. 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 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 in matching solid 9ct yellow 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 16.5cm length, which means the watch and bracelet are a good fit for a lady with a wrist size/circumference of 16.25 centimetres to 17.25 centimetres. The Rolex signed clasp and lock provide an adjustment meaning the watch will fit a wrist size 16.25cm – 17.25cm or 6.25 inches to 6.75 inches. Please note, the bracelet can easily be made smaller by our jeweller by removing one or two links, free of charge.

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 gently hug 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 this, or 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 1971.

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 hardwood presentation box, as 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 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.