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 highly elegant Rolex Precision gentleman’s dress watch in 18ct gold from 1951. This watch features a beautifully restored brushed gold dial in a wonderful condition. The watch is of a very clean, simple and classic design and typical of the 1950s.
At 34mm diameter, excluding the correct signed Rolex crown, this is a good-sized Rolex Precision for the period.
The Dial
The wonderful vertical grain, brushed gold dial makes this watch something very beautiful. We have seen some outstanding watches recently, but this is definitely one of our favourites. This is the classic gold 1950s dial with applied ‘baton’ hour indices and the Rolex Coronet at 12 o’clock. The dial is very clear and easy to read, even in low light and is signed ‘Rolex’ with ‘Precision’ below and ‘Swiss’ at the bottom. This is a beautifully elegant dial with original restored gilt ‘Dauphine’ hands and needle centre seconds hand.
The lens has been replaced with a new original Rolex part and so it is fresh and scratch-free.
This is the original dial which has been expertly restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers, who are considered to be the best in the UK.
The Movement
The high grade Cal.1210 manual wind movement is very clean and in incredibly good condition. It has just been overhauled and serviced by our expert watchmaker and is running perfectly. These movements are very highly regarded for their accuracy and reliability and this movement has been calibrated to run arrow straight within +5 seconds per day. This is outstanding for any watch of this age and has been checked on our electronic watch timer. This movement also has a really excellent 58-hour power reserve when fully wound.
The movement is signed ‘Rolex’, ‘Swiss Made’ and 17 Jewels and marked with the Calibre 1210. In addition, it carries the reference number N81690. This particular movement is in superb condition and with regular servicing, say every 2-3 years, we would fully expect this watch to run quite happily for many more decades to come. We are therefore very confident in offering this watch with a 12-month written warranty*.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only included if the list price is paid.
The Case
Rolex Precisions in 18ct gold are particularly rare and significantly more valuable than the 9ct Precision models and this 18ct Swiss made case is in superb condition with very few marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. It measures 34mm, excluding the original crown which is a standard size for the 1950s. This case also carries beautifully long, thin tapered lugs which give the watch more ‘presence’ and make it appear larger on the wrist.
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. As can be seen, the case, case-back, and bezel are all in superb condition with very few 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. Inside the case-back carries the earlier and beautifully ornate Rolex Coronet Scroll signature and the Rolex Model Reference no. 8961. The case also carries Swiss Geneva 18ct hallmarks.
As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap and Buckle
The strap fitted is a new, high quality brown Alligator 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 1951.
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”.
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 highly collectable vintage Rolex Precision from horology’s most famous name 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.
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 
