Rolex
Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, the partnership became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915 and moved 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.
During the 1930s and ’40s, Rolex also became quite masterful at courting tremendous publicity and excitement through literally being ‘on hand’ during numerous record-breaking events. These were, for example, swimming the English Channel (1927), breaking the world automobile speed record (300mph, 1935), breaking the sound barrier (1947) and climbing Everest for the first time in 1953. No matter how well orchestrated these events came to be, we have to admire Rolex for becoming masters of self-promotion and capitalising on every opportunity with simultaneous worldwide marketing campaigns.
Of course, Rolex is now so ubiquitous it is almost its own kind of its currency. A Rolex is the watch you want on your wrist when you’re in a Third World country when revolution breaks out and there’s only one seat on the plane – and there’s a guy standing there with a machine gun! You give him a Rolex and he’ll give you the seat!
Description
This is a classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual bubbleback carrying a charming and previously restored ivory-cream dial with ‘arrowhead’ hour indices and original ‘lance’ hands. This is Rolex model reference 6085 with the Calibre 645 Chronometer automatic movement. This wonderful watch also carries a rare thunderbird bezel which looks simply beautiful against this previously restored dial.
This watch is superb throughout and is very much the classic Rolex timepiece, perfectly suited for all occasions.
The Dial
The classic 1950s Rolex Oyster Perpetual dial is beautifully simple and elegant. The previously restored ivory cream dial carries gold gilt ‘arrowhead’ hour indices are matched by the original ‘lance’ hands which give the watch a very elegant look. The design is beautifully balanced and perfectly symmetrical. In terms of purity, the absence of a date function is often referred to retain a dials perfect balance.
The dial carries the applied Rolex Coronet and is signed ‘Rolex Oyster Perpetual’ and ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’ with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom.
This dial has been previously restored to a very high standard, yet remains in outstanding condition.
The Movement
This watch has its original high grade “Officially Certified Chronometer” 17 Jewel, Calibre.645, Superbalance, automatic movement which is in sparkling condition and well regarded for being particularly accurate, reliable and strong. The movement has a 41 hour power reserve and following its overhaul, service and calibration, is performing strongly and extremely accurately at +12 seconds per day. This is truly outstanding for a watch movement of this age!
The movement is signed ‘Rolex Perpetual Chronometer’ and ‘Swiss Made’ with the movement reference number F60456 and the serial number 85960.
This watch movement is now ready for many more years of faithful service and is perfectly suited for daily use. We are therefore very confident in offering this watch with a 12-month written warranty*.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Watch Case
The 10ct yellow gold bubbleback case is in tip-top condition and has a screw-down steel case-back. This is a good-sized watch at 34mm, excluding the original Rolex signed Oyster screw-down crown. The case has been professionally cleaned, carefully inspected and lightly polished and is incredible with no scratches, dings or other damage visible to the naked eye. The original and highly sought and rare thunderbird bezel is also in superb condition.
Inside the case-back, all the markings are correct and as expected with the early Rolex scroll and signed ‘Rolex Geneva Swiss’, along with Geneva Swiss 10ct hallmarks. The case also carries the Rolex model reference 6085.
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 & Buckle
The watch is fitted with a genuine Rolex crocodile strap and gold-plated Rolex buckle. 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 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 huge range of straps if you wish here.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating this watch to 1951.
Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also 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 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.
The watch comes complete with a Rolex presentation box, as shown in the photographs.
Payment and Delivery
If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this. 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 who happen to visit London 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 hand your watch directly to you there.
As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.
In Conclusion
This is a truly first-class example of a classic 1951 vintage 10ct Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatch which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece and even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel good examples such as this are still undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher. It is a highly collectable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which is ready to wear, use, treasure and enjoy and one which will provide excellent reliability and a sound financial investment, as long-lasting as the watch itself!
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 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.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.
We will also 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 us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
