Rolex Precision ‘Coin Edge’, 9ct 1959 34mm

Rolex

Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, the firm 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 superb, fully restored gentleman’s 9ct vintage Rolex Precision ‘Coin Edge’ dress watch from 1959. The 34mm ‘coin edge’ case and elegant white dial make this a highly sought after watch, especially when found in such splendid condition.

The Dial

This original dial with ‘arrowhead’ hour indices, centre seconds and original ‘leaf’ hands is a most simple and elegant Rolex dial design. This late 1950s design has rightly earned the title of a ‘modern classic’.  The dial is unusual in having very thin ornate arrowhead hour indices which add interest to the dial These are matched with the original restored ‘leaf’ hands.

The dial is signed ‘Rolex’ with ‘Precision’ below and ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the very highest standards, by our dial restorers, which are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Movement

The watch carries its original high grade Rolex Calibre 1210 Precision movement, which as can be seen is in spectacularly clean condition. The movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and re-assembled using only original Rolex parts where required by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. His work is superb and when finally tested, the watch was calibrated and running consistently within 9 seconds per day, which is exceptional for any vintage watch of this age. The movement is all correctly signed ‘MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA SWISS’, and ‘17 JEWELS’  with the Calibre number 1210 and the reference number N50960. These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable, making the watch perfectly suited for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in A1 condition and with regular servicing every 3 or 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run happily for many more decades to come! We are therefore pleased to offer a 12-month warranty on this watch movement*.

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

The Case

The original watch case is of particularly high quality, having been made for Rolex by David Shackman & Sons, of Chesham, Bucks, UK. Shackman were high quality case makers, and one of two English case makers used by Rolex, the other being Dennison & Co. of Birmingham. The case is of a three-piece construction with a press fit case-back which fits and clicks back with a reassuring click.

The case, case-back and ‘coin edge’ bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye.

This watch has been beautifully well cared for and has simply required a careful clean and gentle polish to bring it back to its current almost new condition. The outside of the case-back is unmarked and polished, and has never been engraved. The case measures 34mm in diameter, not including the original crown and so this is a large sized Rolex Precision by the standards of the day. Inside the case-back the markings are all correct for a Rolex watch case made by Shackman and signed ‘D.S.&S’ and the reference number 08215. The case-back also carries London 9ct hallmarks which date this watch to 1959.

Please note, 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, very high quality dark brown Alligator leather 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, or crocodile skin or lizard skin.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings and signatures are all correct, dating the watch to 1959.

Our detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included in the sale, along with our detailed receipt and 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”.

A matching Rolex presentation box is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is a truly first class example of a 1959 vintage Rolex Precision ‘Coin Edge’ which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, it 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.

This is a highly collectable vintage gold watch from horology’s most famous name which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy!

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.

If you have any questions please call on 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.

Please take a look at our other vintage gold watches.