Rolex Precision Chronometer Cal.700 18ct Pink Gold c1945

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

A simply wonderful early Rolex Precision gentleman’s dress watch. A stunning watch in every regard with a beautiful, restored dial, wonderful movement and an exceptional Rolex Swiss-made Geneve 18ct pink gold case. The dial is particularly unusual and attractive, characterised by a wonderful mix of pink gilt numeral hour indices on an ivory-cream dial.

This is a very clean and well cared for example which has undergone complete restoration and is in tip-top condition. The watch also carries a high grade Cal.700 hand-wound movement, which is in spectacular condition.

The Dial

The dial is simply wonderful. Beautifully balanced and symmetrical and complemented with a subsidiary seconds dial at ‘6’. The original restored ‘Index’ hands are in remarkable condition and are paired with Arabic numberals at 2 – 4 – 6 – 8 – 10 and 12. The dial is correctly signed and branded with the Rolex Coronet just below 12, along with ‘Rolex’ and ‘Precision’ below, with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom.

The lens has been replaced by a new, original Rolex part.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Movement

The high grade Cal.700 chronometer manual wind movement is incredibly clean and also in incredibly good condition. It has just been overhauled and serviced by our expert watchmaker and is running perfectly. These movements are very highly regarded for their accuracy and reliability and this movement has been calibrated to run arrow straight within +6 seconds per day! This is no exaggeration – we have checked the test results on our electronic watch timer. This movement also has a really excellent 45-hour power reserve when fully wound.

The movement is signed ‘Rolex’, ‘Chronometer’, ‘Swiss Made’,  and ’18 Rubis’ and marked with the Calibre 700. In addition, it carries the reference number 11341. This particular movement is in superb condition and with regular servicing, say every 2-3 years, we would fully expect this watch to run quite happily for many more decades to come. We are therefore very confident in offering this watch with a 12-month written warranty*.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only included if the list price is paid.

The Case

The 18ct pink gold Rolex case is in superb condition and measures 33mm, excluding the original Rolex nipple crown. The bezel is also very thin making the watch appear larger on the wrist than it measures. Pink dial Rolex watches from this period were exceedingly rare, which we believe, makes this watch something of a special piece.

The outside of the case-back carries the serial number 62533 which is a nice thing to see as it indicates the watch case has not been overpolished.

This watch has been beautifully well cared for and after close inspection, the case has simply required a clean and a gentle hand-polish to bring it back to its current, almost as new condition. The case and case-back are each in superb condition and the case-back is of full-thickness and has never been inscribed. Inside the case-back the markings are all correct for a Rolex watch case, including ‘Brevetee’ and ‘Haute Precision’. The case-back also carries 18ct hallmarks which date this watch to c1945. This watch is also signed ’31 Victoires’ and ‘RWC.LTD’, this is a very early signature showing that it is an early 1940s piece.

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, very high quality genuine dark brown lizard strap 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 and in plain padded leather, or crocodile skin or lizard skin.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings and signatures are all correct, dating the watch to c1945.

Our detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included in the sale, along with our detailed receipt and our 12 months’ warranty*. 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 totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

A matching Rolex presentation box is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is a truly first class example of a c1945 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 then 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 bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you.

If you have any questions please call on Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges.

Please take a look at our other vintage gold watches.