Rolex Precision Cal.710 9ct 1954

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 wonderful, completely original, unrestored and untouched 9ct yellow gold, vintage Rolex Precision gentleman’s dress watch in beautiful condition from 1954. At 31mm, this watch would originally have been sold as a boy’s or small gents watch. The fully original off-white dial with 1 – 12 standard Arabic numerals, adds to the desirability of this watch, particularly when found on a watch in such a beautiful condition. The case, the dial and the movement are all in incredible condition.

The Dial

This beautiful watch carries a completely original, unrestored and untouch off-white dial which is simply stunning. This remarkable dial carries gilt 1 – 12 standard Arabic numerals, which are framed by a black outer minute dash marker, and original gilt ‘lance’ hands, which sweep the indices perfectly.

The dial carries the Rolex Coronet just below 12 along with the ‘Rolex’ signature with ‘Shock-Resisting’ on the bottom half of the dial jut above 6. The dial is very clear and easy to read even in low light and is beautifully elegant.

As this dial is in original, unrestored condition, this has been left untouched by our restoration team due to its superb condition. Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however we decided in this case to leave it alone, due to its unusually good condition and to retain its originality and charm for those who prefer this. It also helps to contrast with almost all of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored. The hands, likewise, have also been left in their original untouched condition.

Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras, and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you’re seeing may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself. Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.

The Movement

The watch carries its original high-grade Rolex Calibre 710, 15 Jewel movement, which as can be seen in the photographs, is in spectacular condition.

The movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using original Rolex parts where required, by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker and when tested and calibrated immediately following its restoration, this watch was running to within 12 seconds per day which is outstanding for a vintage watch of this age!

These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable making the watch appropriate for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing, every 3 years, we would fully expect this watch to run very happily for many more decades to come! We are therefore pleased to offer a 12-month warranty on this watch movement*.

The movement is correctly signed ‘ROLEX’, ‘SWISS MADE’ and ‘15 Rubis’, with the Calibre number 710 and the movement reference number 28607.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Case

The 9ct gold Dennison made case measures a small 31mm in diameter, excluding the correct Rolex signed crown. As mentioned above, this watch would originally have been sold as a boy’s or small gents watch, however, could be perfectly suited for a lady today. The wonderful 9ct yellow gold case carries a thinner bezel and wonderful Bombe lugs, which give the watch style and perfect presence when on the wrist.

The case was made for Rolex by Dennison in the UK who made watch cases for many of the top Swiss watch manufacturers at this time. Dennison and Sons in Birmingham and Shackman and Sons in London, both produced top quality cases for almost all of the watch brands you see on this website. As this case was made by Dennison, it is of exceptional quality. It is of a two-piece design, with a beautiful press fit case-back. The case has been professionally cleaned, inspected and very lightly hand-polished and is in excellent condition, having been very well cared for with no significant scratches or wear visible to the naked eye. The press fit case-back clicks into place very satisfyingly, is of full thickness, and has never been inscribed.

The inside of the case-back is signed correctly with ‘Dennison Made in England for Rolex’, along with the case reference number 12857, the case serial number 624717 and Birmingham 9ct hallmarks which date the watch correctly to 1954.

Please note, 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 high quality blue leather strap, with a Rolex gold-plated buckle.  We feel this contrasts nicely with the watch, 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 of strap from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge 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”.

The high quality hardwood presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

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.