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 most elegant 9ct Rolex Precision dress watch from 1958 with 1 – 12 Arabic numerals on a silver-white dial. In addition to the dial, the most notable feature of this watch is its fancy, ornately sculpted lugs.
Although this style and size of the watch, at 31mm diameter was a considered typical sized gentleman’s watch in the 1950s, this is perhaps more suited as a ladies watch today.
The Dial
This is the classic gold on silver-white 1950s dial which carries 1 – 12 numerals and the Rolex Coronet at 12 o’clock. The dial is signed ‘Rolex’ with ‘Swiss’ at the bottom and is very clear and easy to read even in low light. This is a beautifully elegant dial with original restored gilt ‘index’ 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 Case
The professionally polished solid 9ct yellow gold case is in excellent condition, having been very well cared for, and shows only the faintest signs of wear visible to the naked eye. The press-fit case-back clicks into place very satisfyingly and has never been inscribed. The case measures just over 31mm in diameter, excluding the Rolex crown and 38mm, including the lugs. As mentioned above, this maybe makes the watch better suited for a lady today, given the modern trend for outsized watches. The case was made in England by Dennison for Rolex therefore the inside of the case-back is signed ‘Dennison’ and ‘Made in England for Rolex’ with the case reference number 12857 and the serial number 881175. The watch also carries Birmingham UK 9ct gold hallmarks which date this watch to 1958.
As ever our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
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 +8 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 an excellent 45-hour power reserve when fully wound.
The movement is signed ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva’, and ‘Swiss’, along with ‘17 Jewels’ and is marked with the Calibre 1210. In addition, it carries the reference number N63142. 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.
Strap and Buckle
A new high quality black Alligator strap is fitted with a gold-plated Rolex buckle. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, we will do our best to provide this at no extra charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown burgundy and black straps in stock, in plain padded leather, alligator, crocodile or lizard skin.
Box and Papers
Although there is no original paperwork with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to 1958.
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 watch comes with a high quality hardwood presentation box, as shown.
In Conclusion
We love to find and make available vintage gold Rolex watches of this quality and condition! This is a superb, highly collectable and usable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy! It will make an excellent evening wear dress watch as well as a practical, highly accurate and reliable time-piece to use on an everyday basis.
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 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 us on Landline 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 contact us as we will be happy to discuss.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
