Rolex
Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it 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 1952 with the 3, 6, 9 classic gilt numerals and arrowhead hour indices on a white dial. A notable feature is the subsidiary seconds dial at ‘6’ which is much rarer than the usual centre seconds dial.
Please note – although this style and size of the watch, at 31mm diameter, was a considered typical sized gentleman’s watch in the 1950s, it is perhaps more suited as a ladies watch today.
The Dial
This is the classic gold on white 1950s ‘3, 6, 9′ dial mixed with ‘arrowhead’ hour indices. The dial is topped with the Rolex Coronet at 12 o’clock and is signed ‘ROLEX’ with ‘Precision’ below and ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom. This is a beautifully understated and elegant dial in the ‘Explorer’ style with original restored gilt ‘lance’ hands which look simply fabulous. The dial is very clean and easy to read even in low light. As mentioned above, this is the rarer version of this model with the subsidiary seconds dial at 6.
This is the original dial which has been restored to the very highest standard by our dial restorers, considered to be the best in the UK.
A new correct replacement lens has been fitted as part of the restoration.
The Case
The professionally polished solid 9ct yellow gold watch 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. This perhaps makes the watch perhaps better suited for a lady today, given the modern trend for outsized watches.
The case was made in England by Dennison for Rolex and the inside of the case-back is signed ‘Dennison Made in England for Rolex’ and ‘A.L.D.’ with the reference number 12868 and the serial number 842522. The watch also carries the correct Birmingham UK 9ct gold hallmarks, dating this watch to 1952.
The Movement
The high grade Cal.1200 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 Rolex Cal.1200 movements are very highly regarded for their accuracy and reliability and this movement has been calibrated to run arrow straight within +4 seconds per day! This is no exaggeration – we have checked the test results on our electronic watch timer. This movement also has a really excellent 58-hour power reserve when fully wound.
The movement is signed ‘Rolex SA, Geneva Swiss’ and ‘Seventeen Jewels’ and is marked with the Calibre 1200. In addition, it carries the reference number N58396. This particular movement is in superb condition and with regular servicing, say every 3-4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run quite happily for another 60+ years! 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 brown leather 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.
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 1952.
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 matching Rolex presentation box shown in the photographs will be included with this watch.
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 on 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas, please call us on +44 207 727 7095. We await your call!
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 
