Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cal.1030 18ct 1959 Quilted Dial

Rolex

Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, the partnership soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving 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.

Description

A highly elegant Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer in 18ct yellow gold from 1959. This is Rolex model reference 6564, with the Rolex Calibre 1030, 25 Jewel Chronometer grade movement which is superbly accurate and reliable even by current day standards. The movement has been overhauled and serviced and is in sparkling condition.

The most rare and notable feature of this watch is the wonderful quilted dial. Although we have sold hundreds of 1950s and 1960s Rolex Oyster Perpetuals over the years, this is only the second example we have seen. The dial also has the classic facetted ‘pencil’ hour indices and original ‘dauphine’ hands which are so redolent of the 1950s.

At 34mm diameter, excluding the crown, this is quite a good-sized watch by 1950s standards. This watch case also has the more understated and sought after plain bezel, along with the excellent Rolex Cal.1030 movement which is in sparkling condition.

The Dial

As mentioned above, this watch carries the wonderful rare and collectable quilted dial sometimes referred to as a ‘waffle’ dial. If this appeals to you, please don’t miss this example as we are unlikely to find another for a long time. The ivory-cream of the dial contrasts beautifully with the yellow gold watch case, gilt ‘pencil’ hour indices, and ‘dauphine’ hands, providing pure and simple perfection.

The dial is all correctly signed ‘Rolex Oyster Perpetual’ and ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’ with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom.

The lens has been replaced with a new Rolex original and therefore is completely clear and unmarked.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Watch Case

The 18ct yellow gold case is in tip-top condition and measures 34mm, excluding the original Rolex signed Oyster screw-down crown. The case has been professionally cleaned, carefully inspected and lightly polished and is immaculate with no scratches, dings or other damage, visible to the naked eye. The original and sought after 18ct gold plain bezel is often preferred for its cleaner, simpler look and has more subtle flutes than the later, more heavily fluted bezels.

Inside the case-back, all the markings are correct and as expected with the Rolex signature: ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland’, along with Geneva Swiss 9ct hallmarks. The case also carries the Rolex model reference number 6564. The watch case serial number 93697 can be found between the lugs at 6 o’clock which confirms the date of manufacture of this watch as 1959.

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 includes 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 winds, sets and runs accurately and reliably and after final testing and calibration, is running strongly and accurately within +16 seconds/day, which is outstanding for a watch movement of this age! The watch also has a power reserve of 48 hours.

The movement is signed ‘Rolex Perpetual’ and ‘Twenty Five Jewels’ with the movement reference number 475690 and the Calibre number 1030.

This watch movement is now ready for many more years of faithful service and is perfectly suited for everyday use. We are therefore very confident in offering this watch with our extendable 12-month warranty on the movement*.

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

The Strap and Buckle

This watch is fitted with a very high quality black Hirsch Alligator strap and Rolex gold-plated buckle. However, 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 brown 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 1959.

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 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 also comes complete with the Rolex Oyster presentation box 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 top class example of a 1959 vintage gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual with a quilted dial, 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 as well as be something to treasure and enjoy!

Even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly in the past 12 months, we still feel great examples such as this are 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 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 that happen to visit the UK 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 your watch directly to you there.

If you have any questions please call 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas +44 207 727 7095.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges.

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

Thank you.