Description
Here we have a totally charming, fully restored Rolex Oyster Perpetual in 9ct yellow gold from 1955. The dial is one of our favourites and is often known as the ‘Explorer’ dial type which was very popular during the 1950s, following the first ascent of Everest in 1953. Many of the climbers who took part in the British Expedition, wore prototype Rolex Explorer or pre-Explorer watches. Immediately following the success, Rolex launched the Rolex Explorer which looked very similar to the watch you see here and which later became one of Rolex’s longest selling lines for over 20 years.
The dial has been very sympathetically restored and looks identical to the original, but looks very slightly aged, without of course, the usual accompanying damage in the form of staining, pitting and scratching etc.
This is the Rolex model reference 6564 with its original Rolex Calibre 1030, 25 Jewel movement. At 34mm diameter, not including the crown, this is a large sized watch by 1950s standards. Notably, the watch has the sought after smooth bezel, which along with the rest of the watch case is in immaculate condition.
Mid-1950s Rolex Oyster Perpetuals with the true ‘Explorer’ dial, are very hard to find and so we are very pleased to be able to offer this watch here.
The Dial
As can be seen in the photographs, this beautiful cream-white dial has applied gilt faceted hour indices and the original restored ‘Leaf’ hands which catch the light wonderfully. With no date window to spoil the symmetry and balance, this is classic, timeless elegance of ’50s Rolex dial design at its best. This is the original dial which has been sympathetically restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers which are considered to be the best in the UK.
The Watch Case
The original 9ct yellow gold case measures 34mm, not including the Rolex Oyster screw-down crown. The watch has the sought after plain bezel which just like the rest of the case is in superb condition.
This watch has been very lightly and carefully used and so the case is amazing. Following cleaning and careful inspection for flaws or fatigue, the case was passed as requiring only cosmetic attention through some very gentle and sympathetic hand polishing, to bring it back to its current almost new like condition. To summarise, the condition is immaculate with no scratches, dings or similar marks visible to the naked eye. The screw-down case back, importantly, is high polished and full thickness, having never been inscribed. Equally importantly, the case has also not been over polished, as many gold watches of this age have been.
Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct and as expected for this watch. It is signed Montres Rolex SA, Geneva Switzerland, Patented, then RWC Ltd, along with the Rolex case serial no. 325668. Below are London UK importers hallmarks for 9ct gold and finally, at the bottom just where it should be, is the Rolex model no.6564.
In addition, between the lugs at 12 o’clock can be found the Rolex model no.6564 and between the lugs at 6 o’clock, the Rolex case serial no. 325668.
It is unusual to find the Rolex case serial number in two places as they are usually marked solely between the lugs, so this is a nice thing to have.
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. Here, it is in sparkling condition and working perfectly following a thorough overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This movement is known as a ‘butterfly’ movement because the lightened rotor resembles a butterfly wing. It is signed MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA and TWENTY FIVE JEWELS, ADJUSTED to FIVE POSITIONS. The movement carries the Rolex reference number N810101 and the Calibre number 1030. The movement has been very carefully calibrated and is running strongly and accurately, within +10 seconds/day which is outstanding for a watch movement of this age! This watch movement is now ready for many more years of faithful service and is perfectly suited for everyday use. The watch is offered with 12 months’ warranty on the movement*.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Strap and Buckle
A new high quality padded brown Crocodile strap with a Rolex gold plated buckle is fitted. 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 straps in stock in plain padded leather, 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 Hirsch range of 19mm straps if you wish: here.
Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the numbers and markings on the movement, case and case-back are all correct, dating this watch to 1955. A detailed written description and receipt, with a 12 month warranty* and separate insurance valuation (for the replacement value in the event of loss) will be provided at the time of sale. We will also provide a Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee and Certificate which states: If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, we will offer you a full refund, at any time!
The Rolex Oyster presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.
In Conclusion
A wonderful and completely charming, classic mid-1950’s vintage gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual gentleman’s dress watch, in immaculate fully restored condition. It is completely practical for everyday use and if treated with care, will make an excellent investment and heirloom piece.
Even though vintage Rolex prices have risen markedly in the past few years, we still feel fine examples such as this, have a very long way to go. We say this because as every year passes, the global market for vintage Rolex watches is expanding very rapidly, with a subsequent effect on prices.
In summary, a highly collectable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which is ready to wear, use, treasure and enjoy. It will also provide excellent reliability and a sound financial investment – as long lasting as the watch itself in fact!
We guarantee you will not be disappointed with this watch. From every aspect and no matter how closely you look, it is immaculate and cannot be faulted. We take a great deal of pride in the quality of the watches we sell and not only this, we also take equal pride and care, in our after sales service, so we will stand by this watch no matter what, within and outside of the warranty period. We will also be delighted to assist with servicing when this becomes due in two to three years time.
A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before 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 inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are a number of well-known stores in West London which are very 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.
Please note, we welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.
We will be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see: here.
If you have any questions, please call our landline 020 7727 7095 or mobile 07515 949 250 or if calling from overseas our landline number is +44 207 727 7095 or mobile +44 7515 949 250.
We are here, ready and available and awaiting your call! We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale. If you would like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting, we will also be delighted to hear from you.
Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches!
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
