Description
Here we have a stunning, fully restored gentleman’s 9ct vintage Rolex Precision dress watch from 1970. This watch carries solid gold numerals and an elegant Silver-White 1 – 12 dial, making this is a highly sought after watch, especially when found in such excellent condition.
The Dial
The beautiful Silver-White dial with applied 1 – 12 numerals is a classic, clean and simple design which is definitely one of our most popular Rolex Precision dials. The original restored gilt ’Lance’ hands are beautifully elegant, completing this dial perfectly. Of particular note are the 1 – 12 numerals which on this dial are made of solid 9ct gold. This is very rare among Rolex precision dials.
This is the original dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.
The Movement
The watch carries its original high grade Rolex Calibre 1225 Precision movement which as can be seen, is in sparkling clean condition. The movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using original Rolex parts, only where required, by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. His work is superb and when finally tested and calibrated, the watch was running consistently at +9 seconds per day which is truly exceptional for any vintage watch of this age. The movement is all correctly signed ‘MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA’, ‘SWISS’, and ‘SEVENTEEN 17 JEWELS’, with the Calibre number 1225. 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 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 9ct yellow gold watch case measures 33mm in diameter, excluding the Rolex signed crown,** making this a typical sized watch for 1970. It is of particularly high quality, having been made for Rolex by Britton & Sons, of 83 Vyse Street, Birmingham, UK. Britton & Sons were very high quality case-makers and one of three English case-makers used by Rolex, the others being Shackman & Sons of London and Dennison & Co. of Birmingham. Britton and Sons were suppliers of watch cases to Rolex almost from the very beginning, but they are very rarely found on later watches such as this. The Britton and Sons case is distinguished by an applied Rolex Coronet on the outer edge of the case-back which can be used for easy removal of the case-back. The case is of a very high quality three-piece construction with a press fit case-back which fits and clicks back with a reassuring click.
The case, the case-back and bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch has been beautifully well cared for and so after a close inspection has simply required a careful clean and gentle polish to bring it back to its current, almost as new condition.
The case-back is of full thickness and importantly, has never been engraved. Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct for a Rolex watch case made by one of its three U.K case-makers and signed B&S (Britton and Sons) along with the reference number 434504. The case-back also carries Birmingham U.K. 9ct hallmarks which date this watch to 1970.
This watch was not specified as water resistant when new and so as ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
** Please note this watch has now been fitted with a Rolex signed crown.
The Strap and Buckle
The strap fitted is a new, high quality Dark Brown Crocodile waterproof leather strap with a Rolex gold plated 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 and in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, all the numbers and markings on the watch are correct, dating the watch to 1970. A detailed written receipt with 12 months’ warranty* and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value 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 totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.
Rolex Precision Inner & Outer Boxes are included in the sale.
In Conclusion
This is a truly first class example of a vintage Rolex Precision which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, this will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece. 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 be 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.
If you have any questions, please call on: 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or small collection for sale, please let us know and 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 
