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 rare and historic Ladies Rolex cocktail watch, in 9ct yellow gold from 1935. The dial carries stand out standard Arabic numerals on a previously restored honey dial. This watch is simply incredible. Not only does this watch have an stunning dial and case, it also carries a high grade 15 jewel, Rolex Prima Swiss made, hand-wound movement. The watch has a superb condition case, very clean fully overhauled and serviced movement and a simply beautiful dial.
The Dial
This beautiful watch dial carries wonderful, blued steel ‘leaf’ hands, an outer stud minute track and a perfectly proportioned subsidiary seconds dial at 6, along with the black, breguet style 1 – 12 standard Arabic numerals which were typical for Rolex ladies watches at this time. For such a small watch, this is a very clear and legible dial and all of these remarkable features make this watch very easy to read when upon the wrist.
It is simply signed ‘Rolex’ and with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom.
This dial has been previously restored to a very high standard, yet remains in incredible condition.
The Movement
The high grade, 15 Jewel, Rolex Prima 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. Although these movements are reasonably robust, these watches do need to be treated with extra care, so while perfect for special occasions, we do not recommend this watch for everyday use.
Note – small ladies Rolex watches 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 1 minute per day on these watches, however 2 – 3 minutes per day is not outside expected parameters.
The movement is signed ‘Rolex Prima’, ‘Swiss Made’ and ‘15 Rubies’. 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 yellow gold case measures 21mm in width, excluding the correct unsigned crown, making 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 press fit case-back which fits perfectly back with a firm and satisfying ‘pop’.
The inside of the case-back reveals the double signature ‘Rolex’ and ‘R.W.C. Ltd’ and also carries ‘25 Worlds Records’ and ‘Geneva-Suisse’ with the correct Swiss 9ct hallmarks. The exterior of the case-back carries the model reference 2677 and the serial number 22074.
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 hinges is first class. This is all quite amazing, considering this watch is over 100 years old.
Please note – as always our standard advice applies, vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap
The watch is fitted with a black leather strap and plain gold-plated buckle. The strap is of the correct type and size for this watch and is widely adjustable meaning it will fit a wide variety of ladies wrist sizes.
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 1935.
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 also 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 the jewellers 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 yellow gold ladies Rolex cocktail watch is in superb original condition and is 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 
