Rolex
Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, the partnership 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
Here we have a wonderful, fully restored 9ct yellow gold, vintage Rolex Precision gentleman’s dress watch in beautiful condition from 1955. At 31mm, this watch would originally have been sold as a boy’s or small gents watch. The immaculate and rare white waffle dial with the popular 1 – 12 standard Arabic numerals, adds to the desirability of this watch, particularly when found on a watch in such a unique condition. The case, the dial and the movement are all in incredible condition.
The Dial
This beautiful watch carries a rare, fully restored white waffle effect dial which is simply stunning. This remarkable dial carries gilt 1 – 12 standard Arabic numerals, which are framed by a black outer minute dash marker, and original gilt ‘lance’ hands, which sweep the numerals perfectly.
The dial carries the Rolex Coronet just below 12 along with the ‘Rolex’ signature with ‘Precision’ below and ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom. The dial is very clear and easy to read even in low light and is beautifully elegant.
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 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 correctly signed ‘ROLEX’, ‘SWISS MADE’ and ‘15 Rubis’, with the Calibre number 710 and the movement reference number 40862. 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 9ct gold Dennison made case measures a small 31mm in diameter, excluding the correct unsigned crown. As mentioned above, this watch would originally have been sold as a boy’s or small gents watch, however, could be perfectly suited for a lady today. The wonderful 9ct yellow gold case carries a thinner bezel and wonderful lugs, which give the watch style and perfect presence when on the wrist.
The case was made for Rolex by Dennison in the UK who made watch cases for many of the top Swiss watch manufacturers at this time. Dennison and Sons in Birmingham and Shackman and Sons in London, both produced top quality cases for almost all of the watch brands you see on this website. As this case was made by Dennison, it is of exceptional quality. It is of a three-piece design, with a beautiful press fit case-back. The case has been professionally cleaned, inspected and very lightly hand-polished and is in excellent condition, having been very well cared for with no significant scratches or wear visible to the naked eye. The press fit case-back clicks into place very satisfyingly, is of full thickness, and has never been inscribed.
The inside of the case-back is signed correctly with ‘Dennison Made in England for Rolex’, along with the case reference number 12857, the case serial number 699920 and Birmingham 9ct hallmarks which date the watch correctly to 1955, .
Please note, as ever our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap and Buckle
The strap fitted is a new, high quality black leather strap, with a Rolex gold-plated buckle. We feel this contrasts nicely with the watch, 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, but can also obtain most types and colours of strap from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of straps if you wish, 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 1955.
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 also 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 Rolex 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.
This is a truly first class example of a 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. Even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel good examples such as this are still undervalued and as each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.
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.
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.
If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
