Description
This is a rare mint condition gents, large 35mm, Rolex Oyster Perpetual (automatic), silver-white dial ‘Air King’, in 9ct solid yellow gold from 1963. The watch is on a new genuine Rolex dark brown ‘croc’ padded leather strap with Rolex gold plated buckle. The watch has its original chronometer grade Cal.1520 high grade movement, original Oyster case with screw down back and crew down Rolex Oyster crown. This watch has many desirable aspects to it, most of all the great history behind it! Rolex watches were considered the watch of choice for World-War 2, Battle of Britain fighter pilots and because of this, the Rolex founder, Hans Willdorf, decided to honour “The Few” with a wide range of Rolex ‘Air’ designs. These were the Rolex Air-Tiger, Air-Lion, Air-Giant and Air-King. The Rolex Air-King has remained in production through many variants until this day and therefore is considered an ideal entry level Rolex for people willing to make a significant investment in vintage Rolex.
The Dial
Beautiful, classic, gold Rolex crown at 12 o’clock with gold batons on a silver-white dial with original gold ‘stick’ hands and centre seconds hand, – all in mint condition. The dial is signed Rolex, ‘Oyster Perpetual’, ‘Air-King’ and ‘Precision’. The gold Rolex crown, hands, and batons catch the light beautifully against the the silver-white dial making the watch recognisable and very easily readable even in low light. The non date or without date model such as we have here is often preferred for its simplicity against the dial of the ‘with date’ watch which is also frustrating to reset at the end of a 30 or 28 day month! This is the original dial which has been expertly restored to the very highest standards.
The Case
This watch has evidently been very well cared for over past 51 years and very lightly used. The original 9ct solid yellow gold case is in excellent condition with no marks dings or scratches visible to the naked eye. It measures a large 35mm in diameter not including the original Rolex crown. This watch has the Rolex Oyster (screw down) crown and screw down case-back with seal, making the watch waterproof and dust-proof when new. Inside the case back are found the model number 1002 and case reference number 927300, along with Geneva Swiss 9ct hallmarks along with Rolex signature and R.W.C. Ltd logo. The case has been professionally cleaned inside and out and then very lightly and carefully polished to bring it back to near new condition.
Please note vintage watches should always be kept clean and dry and never considered to be waterproof, no matter what the original specification.
The Movement
The high grade Cal.1520 automatic wind movement is incredibly clean and in incredibly good condition. It has just been serviced by our expert watchmaker and is running perfectly. It is signed Rolex SA, Geneva Swiss and 26 Jewels and marked 1520. As can be seen, this particular movement is in super clean condition and with regular servicing, say every 3 to 4 years we would fully expect this watch to run quite happily for another 50+ years. We are therefore very confident in offering this watch with a 12 months written warranty*.
*Only included if ‘Buy It Now’ price is paid.
The Strap and Buckle
A new genuine Rolex dark brown ‘croc’ leather, padded strap is fitted with an aftermarket gold plated Rolex buckle.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the numbers and markings on the watch are all correct dating the watch to 1963. A detailed written receipt, with a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will be provided at the time of sale. The presentation box shown in the accompanying photographs is offered with the sale*.
*Only included if ‘Buy It Now’ price is paid.
In Conclusion
We love to find vintage gold Rolex watches of this quality and condition. This is a very desirable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy!
Even though prices have moved forward a little recently, we still feel gold Rolex watches from this period are undervalued. And as each year goes by the world market for vintage Swiss gold watches is growing exponentially. And so this means prices are highly likely to remain on their steep climb trajectory.
We are happy to accept Paypal as this is the quickest method of payment. And we also welcome payment by bank transfer or cheque.
For more information please call or text Alan on 07515949250 or +44 7515949250 if calling from overseas.
Delivery is free within the UK and we charge only £45 for world-wide delivery by DHL or Fedex.
We are able to take part exchange watches and we are also able to help in the future with servicing and repairs. Lastly please take a look at our many other fine Vintage Gold Watches!
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
