Ladies Rolex Cocktail / Bracelet Watch 18ct, 1967

Description

While the gents Rolex Precision was Rolex’ best selling watch throughout the 1950s and ’60s, many will be surprised to learn there was also a ladies Precision, sold at the same time. These made up around 10% of all the Rolex Precisions produced. Half of these were sold on leather straps and half on integral Rolex gold bracelets. These were expensive watches at the time, because it was much more difficult to produce the much smaller 13.75mm diameter Rolex Calibre 1400 series movements, to the same required levels of accuracy and reliability as the movements in the larger gents watches.

The watch we have here is an absolutely delightful example of the ladies Rolex Precision cocktail watch in 18ct yellow gold from 1967. This watch is complete with its original integral Rolex bracelet, also in 18ct gold. The condition of the bracelet, watch case, and movement is superb, indicating this watch has only ever seen very occasional and careful use.

The Dial

The silver white pearl dial with applied ‘Pencil’ hour indices is, as can be seen in the close-up photographs, in superb condition. The dial is complete with its original ‘Index’ style hands which are also tip-top, especially considering the age of the watch.

The dial is framed by a beautiful crystal effect bezel insert, which catches the light wonderfully. It is crowned with the usual Rolex ‘Coronet’ at 12 and is signed ‘Rolex’ below.

Please note, at 15mm diameter, excluding the crown, this is quite a small watch in comparison with most others, however, the dial is quite easy to read, even at arm’s length.

This is the original dial which has been sympathetically and beautifully restored to the highest standards by our dial restorers, who are regarded as the best in the UK.

The Case

The 18ct 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, signed ‘Rolex’ with the case reference number 81691 and Swiss 18ct hallmarks. The case is of 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 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 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 Calibre 1400, 17 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 13.75mm diameter, Cal.1400 series movements performed equally as 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 2 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 is marked with the Calibre number 1400. 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 18ct yellow gold. The bracelet is in immaculate condition, showing no signs of wear or damage visible to the naked eye.

**The bracelet remains at its original standard 16cm length, which means the watch and bracelet are a perfect fit for a lady with a wrist size/circumference of 16 centimetres. The Rolex signed clasp and lock provide an adjustment of 0.5 centimetres either way, meaning the watch will fit a wrist size 14.5cm – 15.5cm or 5.75 inches to 6.0 inches. Please note, the bracelet can easily be made smaller by our jeweller, by removing one or two links.

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 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 1967.

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 Rolex green suede purse 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.