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, 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 very rare, fully restored gentleman’s 9ct vintage Rolex Precision dress watch, complete with its original Rolex integral bracelet. The watch is of a very clean, simple and classic design and typical of the 1960s, but with a stunning black military dial. It contains the original Rolex calibre 1210 movement which is highly reliable and accurate.
At 34mm diameter, excluding the original Rolex signed crown, this is a good-sized Rolex Precision for the period.
The case and bracelet are in truly immaculate condition and the beautiful black dial has been beautifully restored. The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced.
Such examples are now becoming almost impossible to find, especially in the outstanding condition you see here. This is truly one of the finest examples of a vintage Rolex Precision that we have ever seen, and we have seen a great many.
The Dial
The dial is a particularly rare and highly impressive looking black military dial. Bold standard Arabic numerals are paired with the original restored ‘Index’ hands, which are in superb condition.
Black dials have become exceedingly popular over the past 15 years and look wonderful with yellow gold dial furnishings and cases. The minute track around the outer dial frames the dial beautifully.
The dial is also signed and branded with the early Rolex Coronet, along with ‘Rolex’ and ‘Precision’ below. The lens has been replaced by a new, original Rolex part.
This is the original dial which has been beautifully restored to the highest standards by the best dial restorers in the UK.
The Movement
The watch carries its original high grade Rolex Calibre 1210 Precision movement which as can be seen, is in sparkling clean condition. The movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using only original Rolex parts where required, by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. His work is superb and when finally tested and calibrated, the watch was running consistently at +5 seconds per day, which is truly exceptional for any vintage watch of this age. The movement is correctly signed ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Swiss’, and ‘Seventeen 17 Jewels’, with the calibre number 1210 and the reference number N51675. These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable, making the watch perfectly suited for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in A1 condition and with regular servicing every 2-3 years, we would fully expect this watch to run happily for many more decades to come! We are therefore pleased to offer a 12 month warranty on this watch movement*.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only included if the list price is paid.
The Case
The original watch case is of particularly high quality, having been made for Rolex by David Shackman & Sons of Chesham, Bucks, UK. Shackman & Sons were very high quality case-makers and one of two English case-makers used by Rolex, the other being Dennison & Co. of Birmingham. The case is of a three-piece construction with a press-fit case-back which fits and clicks back with a reassuring click.
This watch has been beautifully well cared for and has simply required a careful inspection and gentle hand-polish to bring it back to its current almost new condition. The outside of the case-back is unmarked and polished and importantly, has never been engraved. The case measures 34mm in diameter, not including the original crown and is a large sized Rolex Precision by the standards of the day. This watch is fitted with its original Rolex signed crown which is in fantastic condition. Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct for a Rolex watch case made by Shackman and signed D.S.&S (David Shackman & Sons Ltd) along with the reference number 30365. The case-back also carries London 9ct hallmarks which date this watch to 1966.
Please note, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Bracelet
The original 9ct integral Rolex bracelet is, just like the rest of the watch, immaculate. Very few Rolex Precision dress watches were made with matching Rolex bracelets and even fewer survive today. To find one in the condition you see here is almost unheard of.
The bracelet has an attractive light bark finish which remains clear and distinct and almost as new, indicating it has not been overpolished.
The bracelet remains at its original full length, meaning this watch will fit an average gentleman’s sized wrist of between 16.5 and 15.9cm circumference, of 6 ¼ to 7 ½ inches. The Rolex signed clasp is adjustable for three positions and is shown in the photographs adjusted to its largest size. Please note if you have a smaller sized wrist, the bracelet can be tailored to your wrist size at no extra cost.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings and signatures are all correct, dating the watch to 1966.
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”.
A Rolex presentation box, as shown in the photographs, is included in the sale.
In Conclusion
This is a truly first class example of a 1966 vintage Rolex Precision dress watch which is ready to wear for evening or daytime use, as you prefer. 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 and as each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.
This is 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!
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 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 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. If you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.
Please take a look at our other vintage gold watches.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
