Rolex
Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, the company 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.
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
A simply wonderful early Rolex Precision gentleman’s dress watch from 1946. A stunning watch in every regard with a beautiful dial, a superb movement and an exceptional Rolex Swiss made 18ct pink gold Oversize watch case. The dial is particularly unusual and attractive, in the ‘art deco’ style, characterised by a wonderful mix of pink ‘Baton’ hour indices and Roman numerals.
This is a very clean and well cared for example which has undergone some very light and sympathetic restoration to bring it back to the almost new condition you see here. The case is large by the standards of the period. Rolex dress watches were produced in several sizes in the 1940s, starting at 30mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The majority were size 32 and 33mm with some 34mm, but very rarely, Rolex and its case-makers produced models of 35mm and above, such as this example here. These Oversize watches are highly sought after because the seemingly small difference in diameter adds significantly to the ‘presence’ and value of the watch. The watch also carries a high-grade Rolex Cal.710 Superbalance hand-wound movement, which is in spectacular condition.
The Dial
A particularly rare and highly impressive looking dial. Here, Rolex has elected to use pink gilt hour indices, to match the pink gilt hands and a pink gold watch case, a combination which we think is hard to beat. The original pink gilt ‘Dauphine’ hands and mix of pink gilt batons and Roman numerals is quite bewitching against the slightly off-white dial. The subsidiary seconds dial at ‘6’ completes the ensemble of this perfectly balanced dial.
The dial is also signed and branded with the early Rolex Coronet, along with ‘Rolex’ and ‘Precision’ and the lens has been replaced by a new, original Rolex part.
This is the original dial, 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 710 Superbalance Precision movement, which as can be seen, is in immaculate condition. The movement has been completely disassembled by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker and then cleaned, inspected under high magnification and rebuilt using only original Rolex replacement parts where required. His work is amazing and following careful calibration and testing, this watch is now running within +7 seconds per day. This is really excellent for any vintage watch of this age. The movement is signed ‘Rolex Geneva’, ‘Swiss’, ’17 Jewels’ ‘Superbalance’, ‘Adjusted to 2 positions’ with the Calibre number 710. These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable making this watch perfectly suited for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in A1 condition and with regular servicing, say every 3 – 4 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 applicable if the list price is paid.
The Case
The 18ct pink gold Swiss made Oversize case is in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. It measures 35mm, excluding the original Rolex 1940s nipple type crown which makes this an exceptionally large or ‘Oversize’ watch for the 1940s.
Pink gold Rolex watches of this period are particularly rare as very few were made. We would estimate that fewer than one in 20 of the Rolex Precisions we see from this period were made in pink gold, making these highly sought after by collectors.
The watch has been beautifully well cared for and so after a close inspection has simply required a careful clean and a gentle polish to bring it back to its current, almost as new condition. The case, the case-back and bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. Even under high magnification, it is very hard to find any signs of wear, indicating this watch has seen very little use and has had a charmed life.
The case is of full-thickness and has never been inscribed. Inside the case-back, all the markings are correct for a Rolex Swiss made case of this period. The case back carries the earlier and beautifully ornate Rolex Coronet Scroll signature and the Rolex model reference 4399 with the case reference number 792. The case also carries Swiss Geneva 18ct hallmarks. The case signature and model reference leads us to believe this watch was manufactured circa 1946.
As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap and Buckle
A new black Alligator strap has been fitted, along with a 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, but can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of 18mm straps if you wish here.
Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct and indicate the date of manufacture as circa 1946.
A detailed Particulars document 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 shown in the photographs is included in the sale.
This is a first class example of an early vintage 18ct pink gold Rolex Precision 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.
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.
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.
If you have any questions please call on our 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 also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.
We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
