Ladies Rolex Precision 9ct Bracelet / Cocktail Watch 1951

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 during the same period. These made up around 10% of all the Rolex Precisions produced. Half of these were sold on leather straps and a half on integral Rolex gold bracelets. These were expensive watches at the time because it was much more difficult to produce these much smaller movements to the same required levels of accuracy and reliability as the movements in the larger gents Rolex Precision watches.

The watch we have here is an absolutely delightful example of a ladies Rolex Precision bracelet/cocktail watch in 9ct yellow gold from 1951. This watch is complete with its original signed Rolex bracelet, also in 9ct gold. The condition of the flexible gold bracelet, watch case, original dial and movement is excellent and indicate this watch has only ever seen very occasional and careful use.

The Dial

The silver-white dial carries 1 – 12 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 a 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 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 crowned with the usual Rolex ‘Coronet’ at 12 and is signed ‘Rolex’ below, along with ‘Precision’ at 6 and ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom of the dial.

The Case

The 9ct yellow gold case measures 22mm in diameter, excluding the correct Rolex signed 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.Co Ltd’ for Rolex Watch Co Ltd with Swiss 9ct hallmarks and the case serial number 165537.

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 and of full-thickness, having never been inscribed.

This watch has been exceptionally well cared for and so 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 1300, 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.

The movement is signed ‘Rolex’, ‘Precision’, ‘Swiss Made’ and ’17 Rubis’ (Jewels) and it is marked with the Calibre number 1300. This particular movement is in beautiful condition and with similar 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 Bracelet and Clasp

The original, full-sized Rolex signed bracelet in matching solid 9ct yellow gold is in immaculate condition, showing little or no signs of wear or damage visible to the naked eye.

The Rolex signed and hallmarked safety clasp and lock provide an adjustment of 0.5 centimetres, making the watch fit a wrist size 16cm – 17cm or 6.25 inches to 6.75 inches.

Please note, we can tailor this bracelet to the size of your wrist if necessary, free of charge.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original documents with this watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating this watch to 1951.

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”.

This watch comes complete with the green suede Rolex watch purse, as shown.

In Conclusion

A wonderful ladies Rolex cocktail watch from horology’s most famous name which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as be something to wear, treasure and enjoy! It will make the perfect gift as well as a practical, accurate and reliable timepiece to use for evening wear, or 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 on our Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas please call us on our Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.

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.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.