Rolex
Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, the company became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving to its new Geneva headquarters in 1919. The success of the wristwatch can be largely attributed to many of Rolex’s innovations which made the company one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These have included its famous “Oyster” case — the world’s first water-resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and its “Perpetual” — the world’s first reliable, self-winding movement for the wristwatch, launched in 1933. These would form the foundation for Rolex’s Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956. Also and equally importantly, Rolex is known for its sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
Description
A rare, early, fully restored 18ct vintage Rolex Precision 36mm ‘Oversize’ gentleman’s dress watch in immaculate condition from 1951. Rolex Precisions were produced in several sizes in the 1950s, starting at 30mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The majority were 32 and 33mm, with some 34mm. Very rarely, Rolex or their UK case-makers produced oversized 35mm models and even rarer 36mm models, such as the example we see here. These are highly sought after watches because the seemingly small difference in size does add significantly to the ‘presence’ and value of the watch. The ivory-cream dial with the popular 1 – 12 standard Arabic numerals also add to the desirability of this watch, particularly when found on a watch in such superb condition, and in the much rarer 18ct gold. Having recently completed a full restoration by ourselves, this watch is now ready for many more years of faithful service.
The Dial
The wonderful original classic dial with raised gilt 3, 6, 9, 12, numerals mixed with ‘teardrop’ hour indices is one of our most popular and sought after dial designs. The original period ‘leaf’ hands and blued steel centre seconds hand, complete the unmistakable period look and charm of this watch.
The dial has been faithfully and sympathetically restored in the original ivory-cream. This slightly changes colour depending on the ambient light, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs.
The lens is a new original part, fitted as part of the restoration.
This is the original dial which has been sympathetically restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers, considered to be the best in the UK. This makes this is as fine a vintage dial restoration as you are likely to see.
The Movement
The watch carries its original high-grade Rolex Calibre 710, 15 Jewel movement, which as can be seen in the photographs, is in spectacular condition.
The movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using original Rolex parts where required, by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker and when tested and calibrated immediately following its restoration, this watch was running to within 5 seconds per day which is outstanding for a vintage watch of this age!
The movement is all correctly signed ‘ROLEX’, ‘SWISS MADE’ and ‘15 Rubis’, with the Calibre number 710 and the movement reference number 880. These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable making the watch appropriate for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing, every 3 years, we would fully expect this watch to run very happily for many more decades to come! We are therefore pleased to offer a 12-month warranty on this watch movement*.
* Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Case
The substantial 18ct gold, wide bezel case, measures 36mm in diameter, not including the original signed Rolex crown, making this one of the very rare, largest Rolex Precisions. This is also a rare 18ct example as the majority of the examples sold in the UK were made in 9ct gold.
The watch case is in immaculate condition and even the case-back looks pristine. No matter how closely you examine the case it shows no signs of anything more than very light and careful use.
Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct and as expected, signed ‘Dennison’, ‘Made in England for Rolex’. Dennison was one of the two top UK case-makers who made cases for Rolex, the other being D. Shackman & Sons. In addition, the case-back carries two reference numbers, 13874 and 385766, along with Birmingham UK 18ct hallmarks, which date this watch to 1951.
This watch case has been exceptionally well cared for and so after careful inspection, it has simply required a clean and gentle hand-polish to bring it back to its current ‘like new’ condition.
As ever, our standard advice applies: vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap & Buckle
A new brown Crocodile strap has been fitted, along with a Rolex gold-plated buckle. 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 19mm straps if you wish here.
The 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 1951.
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 matching Rolex presentation box as 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.
In Conclusion
This is a truly first-class example of a 1951 vintage Rolex Precision which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece and even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel good examples such as this are still undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.
To summarise, this is a highly collectable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which is ready to wear, use, treasure and enjoy, providing excellent reliability and a sound financial investment, as long-lasting as the watch itself!
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.
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.
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 that happen to visit the UK 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 your watch directly to you there.
If you have any questions please call on our Landline 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
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.
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 
