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 highly elegant Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer in 14ct yellow gold from 1955. This is Rolex model reference 6569, with the Rolex Calibre 1030, 25 Jewel Chronometer grade movement which is superbly accurate and reliable, even by current day standards. The movement has been overhauled and serviced and is in sparkling condition.
At 34mm in diameter, excluding the Rolex crown, this is a large-sized watch by the standards of the period. This watch case also carries the traditional, early fluted bezel.
The Dial
A wonderful example of an early Oyster Perpetual dial with beautiful ‘Arrowhead’ hour indices. This is the forerunner to the iconic Rolex design which carries through to this day. Here in a gold sunburst finish, it looks wonderful against the gold case. The dial carries its original restored Rolex 1950s ‘Dauphine’ hands and applied ‘Arrowhead’ hour indices with, of course, the perennial Rolex Coronet at the very top of the dial.
The dial is signed ‘Rolex Oyster Perpetual’, ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’ with ‘T Swiss T’ 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 original high grade “Officially Certified Chronometer” 25 Jewels, 1030 calibre ‘butterfly’ movement is very highly regarded for being particularly accurate, reliable and strong. This movement is known as a ‘butterfly’ movement, due to the lightened rotor which resembles a butterfly wing. Here, it is in sparkling condition and working perfectly following a thorough overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This includes dismantling the watch to all its component parts and careful inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Rolex parts, then careful reassembly and adjustment before final calibration in 5 positions. The watch winds, sets and runs accurately and reliably and after final testing and calibration, is running strongly and accurately within +11 seconds/day, which is outstanding for a watch movement of this age! The power reserve of this watch is 42 hours.
The movement is signed ‘Rolex Perpetual SA Geneva’, ‘Twenty Five Jewels’, ‘Adjusted to Five Positions’ and carries the movement reference number N692786 and the Calibre number 1030.
This watch movement is now ready for many more years of faithful service and is perfectly suited for everyday use. We are therefore very confident in offering this watch with our extendable 12-month warranty on the movement*.
This watch is perfect 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 yellow gold case is in tip-top condition and measures 34mm, excluding the original Rolex signed, Oyster screw-down crown. The case has been professionally cleaned and carefully inspected, and required only light polishing. It is in superb condition with no scratches, dings or other damage, visible to the naked eye. The case carries its original early fluted bezel, a feature which is now a defining feature of the Oyster Perpetual range.
Inside the case-back, all the markings are as expected and correct with the Rolex signature. Signed ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland’, along with Geneva Swiss 14ct hallmarks and the model reference number 6569. The case-back exterior is left neat and unmarked. The watch also carries a clear case serial number 257365 between the lugs at 6 o’clock which confirms the date of manufacture of this watch as 1955. Between the lugs at 12 is the Rolex model reference number 6569 and ‘14K’.
Please note – even though this watch was specified as waterproof when new, and the rubber seals have been replaced on the case-back and crown, the water-resistance of this watch has not been tested and is not guaranteed. 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 Alligator strap with a 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 1955.
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 Oyster presentation box shown in the photographs.
In Conclusion
This is a truly top class example of a 1955 vintage gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual, in wonderful condition. The watch is ready to wear and totally practical for everyday use. If treated with care it will make an excellent investment or family heirloom piece as well as be something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy!
Even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly in the past 12 months, we still feel great examples such as this are undervalued, because as each year goes by, the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches is expanding almost exponentially and so we think prices are destined to climb ever higher in the foreseeable future.
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.
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 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas +44 207 727 7095.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
