Rolex Oyster Perpet 18K Blue, 1971 ‘Thunderbird’ – Sorry Now Sold – 15thApril’17

Description

Here we have a rare and beautiful gentleman’s Rolex Oyster Perpetual, 18ct dress watch from 1971. This is Rolex model reference 1007, with the highly accurate and reliable Cal.1570 26 Jewels, Certified Chronometer Grade, automatic movement. This watch is in absolute top condition and has two immediately obvious, notable and rare features. These are the deep blue ‘starburst’ dial which catches the light wonderfully and the Thunderbird bezel which as can be seen, is completely free from wear and tear of any kind.

The Dial

This is the classic, simple and elegant Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘non-date’ dial of the late 60s and early ’70s, but here with the deep blue,  with a ‘starburst’ effect dial which catches the light wonderfully. The dial is immaculate and carries the original Rolex ‘stick’ hands and baton hour markers which are also superb. The dial, batons and hands are all original and have been restored to the highest standard by the best watch dial restorers in the UK.

The lens is new and so completely clear and unmarked. This is a really beautiful looking dial and which is difficult capture in these photographs as dark blue dials are difficult to photograph well, but needless to say the watch and dial look even better in real life – face to face and especially on the wrist!

The Case

This watch has been very well cared for and so has been simply cleaned and sympathetically polished to bring it back to almost new condition. The case, the case-back and the ‘Thunderbird’ bezel are all in superb condition with no nicks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The outside of the case-back is blemish free and has a nice polished finish, having never been engraved.

The Thunderbird bezel, i.e. the decorative surround which holds the lens to the case, is rare and highly sought after on this model,, especially when found in this condition. The lens and bezel are naturally the parts of the watch which are most prone to damage and so some nicks or marks are almost always found here particularly so with Thunderbird bezels which are prone to more damage and wear due to the fine decoration. Here the bezel is perfect and the lens has been replaced with a new original.

Inside the case-back, all the markings are correct for a Rolex Geneva, Swiss made case: MONTRES ROLEX S.A, GENEVA SWITZERLAND, R.W.C. LTD with the model number 1007 and the correct Swiss hallmarks for 18ct gold. The model number can also be clearly found on the outside of the case between the lugs at 12 o’clock.  The case serial number 3274352 is found on the outside of the case between the lugs at 6 o’clock and dates the watch to 1971.

The case has the screw-down Rolex Oyster crown and screw-down case-back complete with new rubber seals, but please note, although this watch was water-proof when new, this has not been tested and is not guaranteed.

Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Movement

The watch carries its original, very high grade ‘Superlative Chronometer’ Calibre 1570, 26 jewel automatic movement which is in sparklingly clean condition. The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced which involves fully dismantling, ultrasonic cleaning, inspection under high magnification and replacement of parts as required, with genuine new originals. Then careful reassembly, oiling to all parts to Rolex specification and finally testing and calibration. This watch is now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at +5 seconds per day and arrow straight! Please note, the timing is outstanding for any watch of this age.

The movement is all correctly signed ‘MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA’, ‘SWISS’, and ‘TWENTY SIX 26 JEWELS’ and the Calibre number 1570. These movements are very strong, very accurate and very reliable! This particular movement is in superb A1 condition and is now ready for many more years of reliable service. It is perfectly suitable for daily use and it should prove perfectly reliable. We are therefore pleased to offer 12 months warranty on the movement of this watch*.

The Strap and Buckle

The strap fitted is a new, well matched, very high quality blue crocodile strap with Rolex gold plated buckle. Please note 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 burgundy and black straps in stock, in plain, padded leather, alligator, crocodile or lizard skin.

The Box and Papers

Although there are are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to 1971.

Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months Warranty*.  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 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 a presentation box as shown in the photographs.

In Conclusion

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

This is a truly top class example of a 1971 Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with Thunderbird bezel, which 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, because as each year goes by, the world market and demand for vintage gold Rolex watches is expanding almost exponentially and so we think prices are destined to climb ever higher in the foreseeable future.

Regarding purchase, 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 our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

*Note – 12 Month warranty only included if the list price is paid.

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 welcome part exchanges.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.