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.
During the 1930s and ’40s, Rolex also became quite masterful at courting tremendous publicity and excitement through literally being ‘on hand’ during numerous record-breaking events. These were, for example, swimming the English Channel (1927), breaking the world automobile speed record (300mph, 1935), breaking the sound barrier (1947) and climbing Everest for the first time in 1953. No matter how well orchestrated these events came to be, we have to admire Rolex for becoming masters of self-promotion and capitalising on every opportunity with simultaneous worldwide marketing campaigns.
Of course, Rolex is now so ubiquitous it is almost its own kind of its currency. A Rolex is the watch you want on your wrist when you’re in a Third World country when a revolution breaks out and there’s only one seat on the plane. There’s a guy standing there with a machine gun – you give him the Rolex, and he’ll give you the seat!
Description
Launched in 1945, the Rolex Datejust broke new ground by being the world’s first automatic wristwatch with a date function. The fact that this watch was also waterproof, and accurate and reliable enough to be Chronometer rated, was nothing short of sensational in 1945.
The Datejust was launched in a very large size for the time, 36mm in diameter, excluding the Rolex screw-down crown. It was also one of the first popular watches to possess a central seconds hand, moving away from the more usual subsidiary seconds (small seconds dial). This classic design soon became an icon of style and quality, remaining in continuous production and continuous development, but changing little in design in over 70 years!
The Rolex Day-Date joined the Datejust in 1956 and both have remained Rolex’s range-topping gentlemen’s dress watches ever since. However, early Rolex Datejusts are rarer and more sought after and therefore command higher prices than the Day-Date. Incidentally, the ‘just’ in Datejust, stands for “just in time”, referring to the way the movement advances the date, exactly at midnight without any delay.
The watch seen here is a fully restored example of an early Rolex Datejust in 18ct solid gold from within the first 7 years of production. This is Rolex model reference 6105, which has the Rolex Chronometer grade Cal.A296, 18 jewel movement. It was not until around 1953 that Rolex began to promote the Datejust line by using the name ‘Datejust’ on the dial.
This watch has just completed a full restoration by our team and looks simply sensational. Early Rolex Datejust watches of this quality and condition are very rare and hard to find, and this is one of the finest early examples we have seen.
The Dial
1950s vintage Rolex dials are, we feel, the most wonderful examples of Rolex style, simplicity and elegance. This particular dial with ‘dagger’ and ‘spearhead’ hour indices is difficult to find and quite sought after. Here in ivory cream, it contrasts beautifully with the yellow gold case. It is full of character and 1950s Rolex charm and the original ‘lance’ hands and yellow centre seconds hand complete the dial perfectly. This watch also carries the rare red date wheel.
The lens has been replaced with a new original Rolex part and so it is fresh and scratch-free.
This dial is in stunning condition due to the superb work of our dial restorers. This is the original dial which has been expertly restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.
The dial is signed ‘Rolex Oyster-Perpetual’ and ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’ with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom.
The Case
This is the classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual waterproof case in 18ct yellow gold, measuring a large 36mm in diameter, excluding the original Rolex Oyster screw-down crown. The case carries the classic fluted bezel, which along with the case and case-back, is in immaculate condition and still very sharp with well defined edges and surfaces.
The case has been professionally cleaned and lightly polished and is looking superb. Inside the case-back all is correct and as expected, signed with the beautifully ornate early Rolex branding, along with ‘ROLEX PATENTED’, ‘6105’ and two Swiss 18ct hallmarks.
On the outside of the case between the lugs at 6 we find the case serial number 820203 which dates this watch to 1952.
Please note – as part of the restoration we have replaced all the rubber seals on the case-back and the winding crown and stem tube. However, although the watch was specified as waterproof when new, this has not been tested and it is not guaranteed. As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Watch Movement
The original high grade, Rolex Calibre A296, 18 Jewel Chronometer automatic movement is in superb condition. The watch is running perfectly following a complete overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This involves completely dismantling the movement to all its component parts, close examination under high magnification, then using only genuine Rolex replacement parts where required, careful reassembly and lubrication using Rolex specified lubricants.
This particular movement is sparkling clean and winds, sets and runs perfectly, just as it should. When finally tested following its overhaul, this watch was found to be keeping superb time to within +13 seconds per day! This is outstanding for any watch of this age. We are therefore highly confident in offering this watch with a 12-month warranty on the movement* and will also be very happy to assist you with competitively priced servicing in the future.
These Chronometer grade movements are very strong, very accurate and very reliable making this watch perfectly suitable for both evening wear and everyday use, should you so wish. This movement is in superb, sparkling clean, A1 condition and with regular servicing, say every 3 – 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run happily another lifetime!
The movement is correctly signed ‘Rolex Perpetual Chronometer’ and ‘Swiss Made’, with the reference number 66471.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Strap and Buckle
The watch is fitted with a new high quality brown Alligator strap and 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. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their fabulous range of 20mm straps here.
Please also let us know if you have unusually large, or unusually small wrists, to enable us to match the strap accordingly.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating this watch to 1952.
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”.
A vintage Rolex presentation box 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 and highly collectable example of an early vintage Rolex Datejust which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, this watch will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece as well as be something to treasure and enjoy. 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 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 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. If you have a watch or small collection for sale, please let us know and we will be happy to discuss this.
We will also be happy to repair, service, or fully restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
Finally, please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
