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.
Of course, Rolex is now so ubiquitous it is almost its own kind of its currency. A Rolex is the watch you want on your wrist when you’re in a Third World country when revolution breaks out and there’s only one seat on the plane – and there’s a guy standing there with a machine gun! You give him a Rolex and he’ll give you the seat!
Description
A simply wonderful early Rolex Chronometer gentleman’s dress watch from circa 1950. A stunning watch in every regard with a beautiful two-tone dial, a superb chronometer grade movement and an exceptional Rolex Swiss made 18ct gold watch case.
This is a very clean and well cared for example which has undergone some very light and sympathetic restoration to bring it back to the almost new condition you see here.
The Dial
The watch carries a particularly rare and highly impressive looking two-tone silver and white dial. In this instance, Rolex has elected to use gilt Arabic numerals to match the gilt hands and a yellow gold watch case – a combination which we think is hard to beat. The Arabic numerals are surrounded by a gilt spotted minute track. The subsidiary seconds dial at ‘6’ completes the ensemble of this perfectly balanced dial.
The dial is also signed and branded with the early Rolex Coronet, along with ‘Rolex’ and ‘Chronometer, as well as ‘Precision’ on the sub-dial and ‘Swiss’ below the 6.
This is the original dial, beautifully restored to the highest standards, by the best dial restorers in the UK.
The Movement
As can be seen, the high grade Rolex Superbalance, 17 Jewel hand-wound chronometer grade movement is in incredibly clean and sparkling condition. It has just completed an overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker and winds, sets and runs perfectly. Following its service, the movement was calibrated and final tested and was found to be running incredibly at -2 seconds per day! This is truly excellent and has been checked on our electronic watch timegrapher. This movement also has an excellent 42 hour power reserve when fully wound.
The movement is signed ‘Rolex’, ‘Geneva’, ‘Adjusted To 7 Positions’ and ‘17 Jewels’ and is marked with the serial number 13208. This particular movement is in superb condition and with regular servicing, say every 3 or 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run quite happily and reliably well into the future. We have no hesitation in offering this watch with our 12 months’ written warranty*.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Case
The 18ct gold case is in superb condition with minimal marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. It measures 34mm, excluding the original Rolex signed crown which makes this a large-sized gents watch for the 1950s.
The watch has been beautifully well cared for and 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. The case and the case-back are all in superb condition with few marks or scratches visible to the naked eye, far less than would usually be expected on a watch of this age. The bezel is very thin, in fact almost invisible from the top profile, making the watch appear larger than it measures.
The case is of full-thickness and has never been inscribed and carries a large faint Rolex coronet. Inside the case-back, all the markings are correct for a Rolex Swiss made case of this period and is signed ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland’ with Swiss Geneva 18ct hallmarks and the Rolex model reference number 9659. The case signature and model reference leads us to believe this watch was manufactured circa 1950.
As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap and Buckle
A new black calf leather strap has been fitted, along with a matching gold-plated Rolex 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 in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin, but can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of 19mm 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 and indicate the date of manufacture as circa 1950.
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 Rolex presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.
In Conclusion
To summarise, this is a highly collectable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name which is ready to wear, use, treasure and enjoy. This watch will also provide excellent reliability and a sound financial investment – as long-lasting in fact, as the watch itself!
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.
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 on our Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas, on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.
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.
We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
