Rolex
Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, the partnership soon 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
A wonderful, 14ct vintage Rolex Precision gentleman’s dress watch in immaculate condition from 1951. Rolex Precisions were produced in several sizes in the 1950s, starting at 30mm in diameter, not including the crown. At 34mm in diameter, excluding the correct unsigned crown, this is not quite an oversize watch, but it is quite large for the period. This watch has the classic 1950s Rolex Precision dial with unrestored gilt ‘leaf’ hands and a yellow gold seconds hand which is nicely matched with a black lizard strap.
The Dial
This is a beautifully clean and well balanced dial, in off-white, with applied gilt ‘arrowhead’ indices which are matched with gilt ‘leaf’ hands and a yellow gold centre seconds hand. The dial carries the Rolex Coronet and is simply signed ‘Rolex’ at the top and ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom below the ‘6’.
This is the original dial which has been previously restored to a very high standard and remains in wonderful condition.
The Movement
This is the original high grade Rolex Calibre 1215, 17 Jewel hand-wound movement, which as can be seen in the photographs, is in sparkling 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, this watch was running to within +9 seconds per day, which is outstanding for any vintage watch of this age! When fully wound, this movement has a 58-hour power reserve.
The movement is all correctly signed ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva’, ‘Swiss’ and ‘17 Jewels’, with the Calibre number 1215. These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable making the watch perfectly appropriate for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing, every 2 to 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* and servicing in the future.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.
The Case
This outstanding 14ct yellow gold case has been very well cared for and is in excellent condition, showing only the faintest signs of wear visible to the naked eye. The press-fit case-back clicks securely into place just as it should and is of full thickness, having never been inscribed.
The case measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the Rolex unsigned crown. This was a typical gent’s sized watch during the mid-century but could be considered equally suitable as a ladies watch today.
Inside the case-back is signed ‘Rolex’ with the Rolex brand, along with the case reference number 53328. The case-back also carries 14ct hallmarks which date this watch to 1951. The case, case-back and bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch case has been exceptionally well cared for and so the case has simply required a clean and gentle polish to bring it back to its current ‘like new’ condition.
As ever, our standard advice applies: vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
Strap and Buckle
The watch is fitted with a high quality black lizard strap and 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, 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 1951.
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 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 Rolex presentation box shown in the photographs is included with this watch.
In Conclusion
This is a truly first class example of a 1950s vintage Rolex Precision which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece and even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel good examples such as this are still undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.
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. 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 that happen to visit the UK 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 your watch directly to you there.
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 
