Rolex Oyster Perpetual 9ct, 1953

Description

A highly attractive Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer in 9ct yellow gold from 1953. This Rolex model reference 6567 has the most beautifully elegant, early ’50s sunburst dial with original Dauphine hands, which pair perfectly with spearhead hour indices. In terms of purity, beauty and elegance, the absence of a date function is preferred as this enables the dial to retain its perfect balance.

The Rolex Calibre 1030, 25 Jewel Chronometer grade movement is superbly accurate and reliable even by current day standards. The movement has been overhauled and serviced and it is in sparkling condition.

At 34mm diameter, not including the crown, this is quite a large sized watch by 1950s standards. The watch case has the much more subtle, early fluted bezel.

The Dial

In our view, this is one of the most beautiful ‘50s Rolex dials. Sunburst Gold, with Dauphine hands and the most perfect hour indices of the period, it is just the right balance of beauty, purity, style and elegance.

If you have looked at a number of vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetuals, you will have probably noticed, very rarely are two the same. The hour indices in particular, vary a great deal. Paired with (the original) ‘Dauphine’ hands as they are here, they are almost always approximately triangular, usually in the form of an arrowhead or spear, pointing towards the hands. There are many subtle variations in shape which often go overlooked and which make a huge difference to the character of the dial. The spearhead and double baton hour indices here is one of the most beautiful of all the Rolex dial designs.

Occasionally we find an original unrestored dial which is in top condition, i.e. no crazing, spotting or water staining. When we do find such a dial, we might, on balance, decide it best to leave it alone rather than restore it. This is just such a dial which has only the slightest signs of ageing in the form of some very light pitting only visible under high magnification. In our eyes, this does not detract from the appeal of the watch, but is in keeping with its age and character. In fact, we feel it adds charm and this is the reason we have left it alone.

The Watch Case

The original 9ct yellow gold case measures 34mm, not including the Rolex Oyster screw-down crown. The case has been professionally cleaned, inspected and lightly polished and it is in superb condition.

Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct and as expected with the Rolex signature, ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland’ with the Rolex model reference number 6567 and 9ct  hallmarks. The model reference indicates the date of the watch as being circa 1953.

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 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 involves 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 therefore, winds, sets and runs accurately and reliably and after final testing and calibration, the movement is running strongly and accurately within +15 seconds/day, which is outstanding for a watch movement of this age! The power reserve of this watch is 42 hours.

This watch movement is now ready for many more years of faithful service and is perfectly suited for everyday use. This is offered with 12 months’ warranty on the movement*.

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

The movement is signed ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva’, ‘Swiss’ and ‘Twenty Five Jewels’ and carries the movement reference number 531985 and the Calibre number 1030.

The Strap and Buckle

The strap fitted is a new well matched very high quality Black Crocodile strap with a Rolex gold-plated buckle. 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 black in stock, in plain padded leather, alligator, crocodile skin or lizard skin.

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 1953.

Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will 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 also comes complete with a Rolex Presentation Box Included.

In Conclusion

A highly collectable vintage gold watch from horology’s most famous name which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy!

This is a truly top class example of a c1953 oversize vintage 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.

Even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly in the past 12 months, we still feel great examples such as this are still 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 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 welcome part exchanges.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.