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
Here we have a beautiful previously restored, good sized 18ct yellow gold vintage Rolex Precision gentleman’s dress watch in wonderful condition from 1954. The silver-white dial with incredible mixed hour indices and gilt ‘dauphine’ hands, make this a highly sought after watch, particularly when found in such excellent condition.
Although this style and size of the watch, at 33mm diameter was a considered typical sized gentleman’s watch in the 1950s, this is perhaps more suited as a ladies watch today.
The Dial
The completely original, unrestored and untouched silver-white dial is completed with gilt mixed ‘pencil’ hour indices along with ‘cube’ indices at ‘3 – 6 – 9’ and completed with standard Arabic numeral at 12. All of which are swept by original gilt ‘dauphine’ hands. This watch has a very simple yet delicate and elegant feel, but is outstanding nonetheless.
The dial is signed with the Rolex Coronet and ‘Rolex’ just below 12 with ‘Precision’ just above 6 and ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom below 6.
This dial has been previously restored to a very high standard yet remains in outstandin condition.
The Movement
The high grade Cal.1210 manual wind movement is incredibly clean and also 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 +14 seconds per day! This is no exaggeration – we have checked the test results on our electronic watch timer. This movement also has a really excellent 58-hour power reserve when fully wound.
The movement is signed ‘Rolex Geneva’, ‘17 Jewels’ and ‘Swiss Made’ with the calibre number 1210.
This particular movement is in superb condition and with regular servicing, 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 Watch Case
The 18ct yellow gold case is in tip-top condition and measures a good size 33mm, excluding the original, correct Rolex unsigned crown. The case also features wonderful straight lugs.
The case has been professionally cleaned and carefully inspected, requiring only a very light hand-polishing to remove any tarnishing and bring it back to the current condition. There are no scratches, dings or other damage visible to the naked eye.
The inside of the case back is correctly signed with ‘Rolex Geneve’ along with the correct 18ct hallmarks and the case reference number 4669.
As ever, our standard advice applies; Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap and Buckle
A high quality brown leather strap has been fitted, along 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 straps in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at our full range of 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, dating this watch to 1954.
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 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 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.
This watch comes complete with a Rolex presentation box.
Payment and Delivery
If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this. 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 who happen to visit London 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 hand your watch directly to you there.
As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.
In Conclusion
Here we have a truly desirable vintage gold dress watch from horology’s most revered name which is truly a thing of beauty – to wear, use, treasure and enjoy. It will also make an excellent investment and family heirloom piece. Even though Rolex prices continue to rise, we still feel outstanding examples such as this remain undervalued, particularly compared to the price of a new Rolex.
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.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.
We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
