Rolex
While the gents Rolex Precision was Rolex’s best selling watch throughout the 1950s and 1960s, 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 movements, to the same required levels of accuracy and reliability as the movements in the larger gents watches.
Description
The watch we have here is an absolutely delightful example of a ladies Rolex Precision cocktail watch in 9ct yellow gold from 1965. The condition of the bracelet, watch case, original dial and movement indicates this watch has only ever seen very occasional and careful use.
The Dial
The original, unrestored and untouched silver-white dial with applied gilt ‘baton’ hour indices, is, as can be seen in the close-up photographs, in superb condition. The dial is complete with its original ‘Alpha’ style hands which are also tip-top, especially considering the age of the watch. Both the dial and hands are original, untouched and unrestored. Normally we restore the dials of all the watches listed on this website, but we felt this to be completely unnecessary in this case.
Please note, at 20mm diameter, excluding the crown, this is quite a small watch in comparison with most others. However, the gilt hands and hour indices are very clear and 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.
Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however, we decided in this case due to its exceptional condition, to retain its originality and charm for the many collectors who prefer this. It also helps to contrast with most of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored.
Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras, and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you’re seeing may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself. Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.
The Movement
The high grade Calibre 131, 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.
These are indeed high precision movements and the example here is running perfectly, having been calibrated to run consistently within plus or minus 15 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 time grapher. This movement also has an excellent power reserve of 42 hours when fully wound.
The movement is signed Rolex, ‘Swiss’, ‘Geneve’ and ’17 Rubies’ (Jewels) and it is marked with the Calibre number 131. 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 9ct yellow gold case measures 20mm in diameter, excluding the correct unsigned 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 an adequate size in order to wind it. However please be assured, it is the correct crown for this watch.
On the inside of the case-back, all the markings are all correct for a Rolex case made by one of its two UK case-makers. The case is signed ‘DS&S’, meaning this watch case was made for Rolex by D. Shackman and Son. Shackman watch cases are considered by many to be the very best of all the Rolex cases produced at this time. Even better quality dare we say, than Rolex Swiss made cases of the same period.
The case-back also carries the case reference number 28243 and London UK 9ct hallmarks, which date this watch to 1965. The case is a very solid two-piece design with an integral bezel which 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. The case-back is of full thickness and has 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. There are therefore 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 Bracelet
This beautiful ladies Rolex Precision comes complete with a gold plated, expandable bracelet. This bracelet will fit a wrist size from 15.9cm at its smallest and 22cm at its largest.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating this watch to 1965.
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 watch comes complete with the original vintage Rolex 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.
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.
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.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
