Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18K 1973 – Sorry Now Sold 3rdDec’17

Description

Here we have an amazing rare and hardly used example of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual, 18ct dress watch from 1973. This is Rolex model reference 1005, with the highly accurate and reliable Cal.1570 26 Jewels, Certified Chronometer Grade, automatic movement. This watch is in absolute top condition and has the following outstanding features: Firstly, as can be seen, this watch has the plain bezel option which is often preferred on this model. This watch also has an original untouched, never restored dial. and lastly, the case is ‘unpolished’, i.e. all its edges are completely crisp, never having been professionally polished – save for very gently cleaning and hand polishing.  All of which makes this a particularly special, desirable and collectable piece!

The Dial

This is the classic, simple and elegant Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘non-date’ dial of the late 60s and early ’70s, here with with a gold sunburst dial which catches the light wonderfully. The Sigma Dial is completely original having never been restored and remains untouched. It is also in amazingly good condition with no signs of ageing visible to the naked eye. Only upon very close examination under high magnification can the slightest signs of hazing be found, very gently and evenly across the dial. The original Rolex solid 18ct gold ‘stick’ hands and solid 18ct gold baton hour indices are also in original condition and are superb. The lens is a new genuine replacement and so completely clear and unmarked. It is exceedingly rare that we find a Rolex of this age with the dial in such great unrestored condition.

The Case

We can be sure this watch has seen very little use, evidenced not only by the dial but also the case. Generally an 18ct watch case which has seen regular use will soon pick up a few tell-tale marks in the form of slight nicks and scratches. Normally these are never a problem as they can be removed by gentle polishing by hand or professionally by a watch case restorer. This watch shows no signs of polishing even to the trained eye. This is proof to us that this watch has hardly been used.

The plain, as opposed to fluted bezel, i.e. the surround which holds the lens to the case, is more sought after on this model, especially when found in this condition. The lens and bezel are naturally the parts of the watch which are most prone to damage and so some nicks or marks are almost always found, but here there are none.

Inside the case-back, all the markings are correct for a Rolex Geneva, Swiss made case: MONTRES ROLEX S.A, GENEVA SWITZERLAND, with the Rolex model reference 1005 along with the correct Swiss hallmarks for 18ct gold. The model reference number can also be clearly found on the outside of the case between the lugs at 12 o’clock.  The case serial number 3,807,518 is found on the outside of the case between the lugs at 6 o’clock and this dates the watch to 1973.

The case has the screw-down Rolex Oyster crown and screw-down case-back complete with new rubber seals. Please note, although this watch was water-proof when new, this has not been tested and this is not guaranteed. Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Movement

The watch carries its original, very high grade ‘Superlative Chronometer’ Calibre 1570, 26 jewel automatic movement which is in sparklingly clean condition. The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced which involves fully dismantling, ultrasonic cleaning, inspection under high magnification and replacement of parts as required, with genuine new originals. Then careful reassembly, oiling to all parts to Rolex specification and finally testing and calibration. This watch is now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at +7 seconds per day and arrow straight! Please note, the timing is outstanding for any watch of this age.

The movement is all correctly signed with ‘MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA’, ‘SWISS’, ‘TWENTY SIX 26 JEWELS’ and the Calibre number 1570 along with the Rolex reference number 618109. These movements are very strong, very accurate and very reliable and this particular movement is in superb A1 condition and is now ready for many more years of service. It is perfectly suitable for daily use and it should prove perfectly reliable. We are therefore pleased to offer 12 months warranty on the movement of this watch*.

The Strap and Buckle

The strap fitted is a new, good quality brown ‘croc’ strap with Rolex gold plated buckle. Please note 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 burgundy and black straps in stock, in plain, padded leather, alligator, crocodile or lizard skin.

The Box and Papers

Although there are are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to 1973.

Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months Warranty*.  A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will 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”.

The watch also comes complete with a presentation box as shown in the photographs.

In Conclusion

This is a truly first class example of a 1973 vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18ct 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 and even though vintage gold Rolex prices continue to rise, we still feel top class examples such as this are still undervalued.  This is mainly because as each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.

So here we have a highly collectible vintage gold watch from horology’s most famous name which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy!

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 payment via 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.

*Note – 12 Month warranty only included if the list price is paid.

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 welcome part exchanges.

Please take a look at our other vintage gold watches.

Thank you.