Rolex Oyster Royal Cal.710 ‘Shock Resisting’ 1953

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

The Oyster Royal was introduced in 1933 and was recognisable as one of the earliest wristwatches to feature a centrally pivoted second hand as opposed to the small subsidiary seconds register that was the norm. Rolex marketed the Royal as being ideally suited for those in the medical profession, on the basis that a large second hand would be far easier to consult when timing a patient’s heartbeat. Strangely, as centre seconds became more common, the Oyster Royal would be offered in both centre and sub-seconds formats, and the Oyster Royal model became more associated with the British Military services.

Here we have a particularly fine example of a fully restored gents Rolex Oyster Royal dress watch, in a steel Rolex Oyster case, manufactured in 1953. This is the Rolex Model Reference 6044, complete with its original high grade Cal.710, 15 Jewel movement.

This example is in superb condition and running strongly and accurately following a recent thorough overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex expert watchmaker. This Rolex Precision has the Rolex Oyster case with a screw-down case-back and a Super Oyster crown which was waterproof when new.

The Dial

Here we have one of the most timeless vintage Rolex dial designs, originating in the 1950s which continues through until this day. The silver-white starburst dial against the steel case is a classic look and perfectly suitable for casual, office and evening wear.

The dial carries ‘baton’ hour indices, crowned by the perennial Rolex Coronet at 12. These are matched with the original restored Rolex ‘Lance’ hands which are so redolent of the period.

The dial is signed ‘Rolex’ ‘Oyster Royal’ and ‘Shock-Resisting’.

This is the original Rolex dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by the best dial restorers in the UK.

The Movement

The watch carries its original high grade Rolex Calibre 710, 15 Jewel movement, which as can be seen in the photographs, is in spectacular condition. This movement was one of Rolex’ first to include a shock-resistant movement, hence the script on the dial.

The movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using original Rolex parts where required, by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. When tested and calibrated immediately following its restoration, this watch was running to within 6 seconds per day which is outstanding for a vintage watch of this age!

The movement is all correctly signed ‘ROLEX’, ‘SWISS MADE’ and ‘15 Jewels’, with the Calibre number 710. These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable making the watch appropriate for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing, every 3 years, we would fully expect this watch to run very happily for many more decades to come! We are pleased to offer a 12-month warranty on this watch movement*.

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

The Case

The steel Rolex Oyster case measures 32mm in diameter, excluding the original Rolex Super Oyster crown. As this is a Rolex Oyster case, it was marketed as waterproof when new*.

This watch still has its original Super Oyster (non screw-down) crown. This is rare, partly because these watches were only produced for around two years between ’51 and ’53 and many of these were later converted to screw-down Oyster crowns.

The case, case-back and plain bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch case has seen only very light use and has been very well cared for so following close inspection, the case has simply been gently hand-polished to bring the watch to almost new condition once more. The outside of the case-back, importantly, has never been engraved and equally importantly it is of its original thickness.

Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct for a Rolex Geneva Swiss made case. It is signed ‘Geneve Suisse’, ‘Rolex Patented’ and ‘Stainless Steel’, along with the model reference number 6044.

The case also carries the model number 6044 between the lugs at 12 and the case serial number 739742 which dates this watch to 1953.

*The screw-down case-back and Super Oyster crown seals have been replaced, however, although this watch was specified as waterproof when new, this has not been tested and it is not guaranteed. As ever, our standard advice applies, vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A new, high quality soft black leather strap has been fitted, along with a steel 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 of strap, from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of 18mm straps if you wish.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1953.

Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty*. 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 totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

The Rolex presentation box as shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is a truly first class example of an early 1950s vintage Rolex Oyster Royal 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 Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel excellent examples such as this, are still undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage Rolex watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.

A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very best quality watches we can find before restoring these 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.

We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you choose to pay by UK bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Please contact us to reserve the watch and request our bank details. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or International Bank Wire Transfer, we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

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, Repair, or Restore your watch, all at sensible prices. Please see here.

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

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 very happy to hear from you. We await your call!

Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.