Rolex
While the gents’ Rolex Precision was Rolex’ best selling watch throughout the 1940s -1960s, 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 these 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 1961. This watch is complete with its original, integral Rolex bracelet, also in 18ct gold. The condition of the bracelet, watch case, fully restored dial and movement indicate this watch has only ever seen very occasional and careful use.
The Dial
The beautifully restored off-white dial carries yellow gold ‘arrowhead’ hour indices which are swept by ‘Lancette’ style yellow gold hand, and as can be seen in the close-up photographs, all are in superb condition.
Please note, at 15mm diameter, excluding the crown, this is a mid-sized cocktail 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 arms 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.
This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by the best dial restorers in the UK.
The Movement
The high grade Calibre 250, 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 trouble and expense to ensure its small Cal.250 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 +3 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 Geneve’, ‘Swiss’ and ’17 Rubis’ (Jewels) and it is marked with the Calibre number 250. 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*.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
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.
Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct for a Rolex watch case made by one of its three UK case-makers and signed D.S.&S (David Shackman & Sons Ltd) with 18ct hallmarks and the model reference 00129. 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 is 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 Bracelet and Clasp
The original, integral, mid-sized Rolex signed bracelet is also in matching solid 18ct yellow gold and is in immaculate condition, showing no signs of wear or damage visible to the naked eye.
The bracelet has been tailored for a ladies mid wrist size. The clasp and lock provide an adjustment of 1.3 centimetres, making the watch fit a wrist size 16.5cm – 17.8cm or 6.5 inches to 7inches. This means this watch is really only suitable for ladies with a mid size wrist.
Please note, due to the style and tailoring of the bracelet, it would be difficult and therefore quite expensive to have this particular bracelet altered.
Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating this watch to 1961.
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”.
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 treasure and enjoy! It will make the perfect gift as well as a practical, accurate and reliable timepiece to use for evening wear, 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. 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.
