Rolex
Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, the partnership soon 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
Rolex hand-wound Chronometers are very special watches, due to the precision of their movements which were designed to meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability for their day. These were independently tested and certified by an official Observatory, usually Swiss or British, such as Neuchatel Observatory, Geneva Observatory, or Kew Observatory in London. Tests for the accuracy and reliability of individual watches were carried out over numerous weeks in 6 positions and over a range of temperatures. Only individual watches which passed these incredibly strict tests qualified and were granted permission to be classed as “Chronometer grade” watches. Furthermore, each year special Prizes were awarded to the manufacturer who submitted the most accurate wristwatch, and the manufacturer who submitted the highest number of watches to qualify as Chronometers. Manufacturers competed fiercely for these prizes as they were highly coveted and publicised. Just as with the motor manufacturers associated with Formula 1 Grand Prix winners of yesteryear and today, the publicity was priceless. Rolex, Omega, Longines and Zenith were the most successful manufacturers in submitting watches which passed these tests and also winning prizes as outright winners.
Vintage Rolex Chronometers remain as equally prized today as they were when they were first made. Here we have a beautiful and amazingly well cared for example of a super rare 14ct pink gold Rolex Precision Chronometer from 1951. This is Rolex model reference 4035 and quite large for the period at 35mm in diameter, excluding the Rolex crown.
Notable features of this watch include the ‘crab claw’ lugs, coin-edge case and the use of a pink gold case, rather than the more common yellow gold. Also, the wonderful dial design, not to mention the Chronometer movement, making this a very desirable watch indeed.
Its condition is outstanding having recently completed a full restoration and service by our team.
The Dial
This original black Rolex dial is one of the most notable features of the watch. A black dial with pink gilt furnishings and a pink gold watch case is always a sweet spot with so many watch enthusiasts, and here we have a superb example. The combination of pink gilt roman numerals with ‘dot’ hour indices and a gilt minute track is hard to beat. These are matched with the original restored ‘Index’ hands which are very slim and elegant.
The subsidiary seconds dial is a staple of the 1950s and here, Rolex does not disappoint. Very simply applied, finished with a ‘Lance’ hand and balancing the dial beautifully.
The dial is signed ‘Rolex’, ‘Chronometer’ with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom of the dial.
The lens has been replaced with a new original, as part of the restoration.
This is the original Rolex dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by the best dial restorers in the UK. Please take a close look at the beauty of the dial and the quality of the restoration as it is in truly, immaculate condition.
The Watch Movement
The movement fitted to the watch is the original 10½ Hunter, 17 Jewel Superbalance Chronometer movement, reserved for Rolex’s highest quality watches of this period. As can be noted from the photographs, this is especially high grade ‘Adjusted to 7 Positions’ and signed ‘Chronometer’ and also carries the reference number 12152.
The movement is in very clean condition having just completed a full overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This means it has been completely dismantled to each of its component parts before cleaning and inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Rolex parts, then careful reassembly, adjustment and oiling to Rolex specification, before final calibration and testing.
The movement is therefore now running accurately and within +7 seconds per day with a power reserve, when fully wound, of 30 hours. We are therefore confident in offering this watch with a 12-month written warranty*.
This watch is perfectly suited for everyday use, should you so wish.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.
The Watch Case
The 14ct pink gold case is in tip-top condition and measures 35mm, excluding the original Rolex crown. The case features the rare and highly sought-after coin edge design, referring to the milled edge surrounding the watch case exterior and the case also features wonderful ‘crab claw’ lugs.
The case has been professionally cleaned and carefully inspected, requiring only a very light hand-polishing to remove any tarnishing and bring it back to the current condition. There are no scratches, dings or other damage visible to the naked eye.
Inside the case-back, all the markings are as expected and correct with the Rolex signature. Signed ‘Rolex 31 Victories’, ‘Haute Precision’ along with Geneva Swiss 14ct hallmarks, the model number 4035 and the serial number 346472. The case-back exterior is left neat and unmarked.
As ever, our standard advice applies; Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap and Buckle
This watch is fitted with a high-quality black Hirsch Alligator strap with pink gold-plated Rolex buckle. However, if a different style or colour 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 burgundy and brown in stock, in plain padded leather, alligator, crocodile skin or lizard skin. Please check out the excellent range of 18mm straps at our partner website: www.watchobssession.co.uk.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to circa 1951.
Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will also be provided at the time of sale and our ‘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”.
The watch comes complete with the Rolex presentation box shown in the photographs.
In Conclusion
This is a truly unique example of an early 1950s 14ct Rolex Chronometer which is ready to wear and completely practical for evening wear or everyday use, as you so wish. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece as well as something to wear, treasure and enjoy.
Even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly over recent years, we still feel good examples such as this remain 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.
If you have any questions please call on our Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile. Or if calling from overseas, on Landline +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.
Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
