Ladies Rolex Precision Model Ref.2129 18ct c1963

Rolex

While the gents’ Rolex Precision was Rolex’s 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 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 Rolex Precision watches.

Description

The watch we have here is an absolutely delightful example of a ladies Rolex Precision cocktail watch in 18ct yellow gold from c1963. This watch is complete with a simply incredible tapestry effect dial and matching bezel, with ‘baton’ hour indices, all in solid 18ct yellow gold. The condition of the strap, watch case, original dial and movement indicates this watch has only ever seen very occasional and careful use.

The Dial

The beautiful original, unrestored and untouched tapestry effect, solid 18ct yellow gold dial with matching 18ct yellow gold applied ‘baton’ 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 original and unrestored, yet remain in outstanding condition.

The dial is framed by a wonderful perfectly matched 18ct yellow gold tapestry effect bezel and is crowned with the usual Rolex ‘Coronet’ at 12 which is also solid 18ct yellow gold. The this  is signed ‘Rolex’ just below 12 with ‘Precision’ below and ‘Swiss’ at the bottom. At just 19mm diameter, excluding the correct signed 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.

The dial is original and unrestored and has been left untouched by our restoration team due to its superb condition. Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however we decided in this case to leave it alone, due to its unusually good condition and to retain its originality and charm for those who prefer this. It also helps to contrast with almost all of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored. The hands, likewise, have also been left in their original untouched condition.

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 1401, 18 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.1401 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 9 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 ’18 Rubies’ (Jewels) and it is marked with the Calibre number 1401. 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 18ct yellow gold case measures 19mm 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.

The case is of a very solid two-piece design with a wonderful fluted 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 the case-back is of full thickness and has never been inscribed. The watch has been exceptionally well cared for, therefore the case has simply required a clean, 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.

The case is correctly signed with ‘Montres Rolex S.A. Geneva Switzerland’ with the correct 18ct hallmarks and model reference number 2129. Externally the case-back displays the Rolex crown and the case serial number 1038978.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A high quality black leather strap is fitted along with a gold-plated buckle. We feel this matches the watch perfectly, however, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of straps here.

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 c1963.

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 high quality hardwood presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

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.