Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18ct 1954

Description

A highly attractive Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer in 18ct Yellow Gold from 1954. This is Rolex model reference 6564, which features a most beautiful, elegant, early ’50s Champagne dial. In terms of symmetry, purity and elegance, the absence of a date function is often preferred as this enables the dial to retain its perfect balance.

At 34mm diameter, not including the crown, this is quite a good sized watch by 1950s standards. This watch case also has the much more subtle, early, fluted bezel.

The Rolex Calibre 1030, 25 Jewel Chronometer grade movement is superbly accurate and reliable even by current day standards. The movement has been overhauled and serviced and is in sparkling condition.

The Dial

This beautifully simple and elegant Champagne dial has gilt ‘baton’ hour indices, matched with original restored ‘stick’ hands. As we have tried to demonstrate in the images, the colour of the dial has a good deal of richness in certain lights, and in others, particularly in daylight, the colour slips to more of a Straw / Lemon colour, depending on how the light catches the dial.

We love the elegance, simplicity and symmetry of these early Rolex Oyster Perpetual dials and feel that unless one absolutely ‘has to have’ a date function, early non-date Rolex Oyster Perpetual are so much prettier to our eyes. ‘Less’ is definitely ‘more’ here.

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

The Watch Case

The 18ct yellow gold case is in tip-top condition and measures 34mm, excluding the original Rolex signed Oyster screw-down crown. The case has been professionally cleaned, carefully inspected and lightly polished and is immaculate with no scratches, dings or other damage, visible to the naked eye. The original early 18ct gold bezel is so much more subtle than on a later Rolex. Here, it is in perfect condition indicating this watch has been very well cared for or seen little real use.

Inside the case-back, all the markings are correct and as expected with the Rolex signature; ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland’, with the Rolex model reference number 6564 and Geneva Swiss 18ct hallmarks. The model reference is also found on the outside of the case between the lugs, as is the watch case serial number 67582 which confirms the date of manufacture of this watch as 1954.

Please note – even though this watch was specified as waterproof when new, and the rubber seals have been replaced on the case-back and crown, the water resistance of this watch has not been tested and is not guaranteed.

As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Movement

The original high grade “Officially Certified Chronometer” 25 Jewels, 1030 calibre ‘butterfly’ movement is very highly regarded for being particularly accurate, reliable and strong. This movement is known as a ‘butterfly’ movement, due to the lightened rotor which resembles a butterfly wing. Here, it is in very clean condition and working perfectly following a thorough overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This involves dismantling the watch to all its component parts, careful inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Rolex parts, then careful reassembly and adjustment before final calibration in 5 positions. The watch now winds, sets and runs accurately and reliably and after final testing and calibration, the movement is running strongly and accurately within +7 seconds/day, which is outstanding for a watch movement of this age! The power reserve of this watch is 42 hours.

The movement is signed Rolex SA Geneva, Twenty Five Jewels, Adjusted to Five Positions and carries the movement reference number 522037 and the Calibre number 1030.

This watch movement is now ready for many more years of faithful service and is perfectly suited for everyday use. We are pleased to offer this with 12 months’ warranty on the movement*.

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

The Strap and Buckle

The watch is fitted with a new high quality, Brown Crocodile strap with a Rolex gold plated buckle. Please note if a different style or colour 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 burgundy and brown in stock, in plain padded leather, alligator, crocodile skin or lizard skin.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to 1954.

Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months Warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will be provided at the time of sale with our ‘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 watch also comes complete with Rolex Oyster Inner and Outer presentation boxes.

In Conclusion

This is a truly top class example of a 1954 vintage gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual, in wonderful condition. The watch is ready to wear and totally practical for everyday use. If treated with care it will make an excellent investment or family heirloom piece.

Even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly in the past 12 months, we still feel great examples such as this are still undervalued. As each year goes by, the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches is expanding almost exponentially and so we think prices are destined to climb ever higher in the foreseeable future.

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 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 fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.