Description
A simply wonderful, early Rolex Precision from circa 1949 with a stunning dial and a Rolex Swiss made 18ct yellow gold Oversize watch case. This is a particularly unusual and attractive example, with original early ‘Leaf’ hands and pink gilt Arrowhead and Stud hour indices, mixed with Arabic (standard) numerals.
This is a very clean and well cared for example which has undergone some light and sympathetic restoration to bring it back to almost new condition once more. The case is large-sized by the standards of the period. Rolex Precisions were produced in several sizes in the 1950s, starting at 30mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The majority were size 32 and 33mm with some 34mm, but very rarely, Rolex and its case-makers produced models of 35mm and above, such as the example we see here. These Oversize watches are highly sought after because the seemingly small difference in diameter, adds significantly to the ‘presence’ and value of the watch. The watch also carries a high grade Rolex Cal.710 Superbalance hand-wound movement, which is in spectacular condition.
The Dial
This is, in our opinion, a wonderful looking dial and it is particularly rare. For this Silver White ‘Starburst’ dial, Rolex elected to use pink gilt hour indices, matched with yellow gilt hands and a yellow gold watch case, which was a combination quite popular during the 1940s and prior. The original early ‘Leaf’ hands and pink gilt Arrowhead and Stud hour indices, mixed with Arabic (standard) numerals are, we find, quite bewitching. The outer minutes’ track, numbered at 10-minute intervals, also adds a touch of the 1940s technical, look.
The dial is also signed unusually with: Rolex, the Coronet and Geneve.
This is the original dial, beautifully restored to the highest standards, by the best dial restorers in the UK. The lens has been replaced by a new, original part.
The Movement
The watch carries its original high grade Rolex calibre 710 Superbalance Precision movement, which as can be seen, is in immaculate condition. The movement has been completely disassembled by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker and then cleaned, inspected under high magnification and rebuilt using only original Rolex replacement parts where required. His work is amazing and following careful calibration and testing, this watch is now running within +7 seconds per day. This is really excellent for any vintage watch of this age. The movement is signed ‘Rolex Precision’, ‘Swiss Made’, ’17 Jewels’ ‘Superbalance’, Adjusted to 2 positions with the Calibre number 710. These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable making this watch perfectly suited for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in A1 condition and with regular servicing, say every 3 – 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 18ct yellow gold Swiss made Oversize case is in superb condition, with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. It measures 35mm, excluding the original Rolex 1940s nipple type crown. This watch has been lovingly cared for and so the case has simply required careful inspection and cleaning by our vintage watch Case-Maker, along with a gentle polish to bring it back to its current as new condition. The outside of the case-back is high polished and has never been engraved.
Inside the case-back, all the markings are correct for a Rolex Swiss made case. It carries the earlier and beautifully ornate Rolex Coronet Scroll signature and the Rolex reference 777 with the Rolex model reference number 4222. The case also carries Swiss Geneva 18ct hallmarks. The case signature and model reference leads us to believe this watch was manufactured circa 1949.
The Strap and Buckle
A new Black “Croc’ strap has been fitted, along with a matching gold plated Rolex 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 in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin, but can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of 17mm straps if you wish here.
Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct and indicate the date of manufacture as circa 1949. 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 inner and outer Rolex presentation boxes as shown in the photographs are included in the sale.
This is a first class example of an early vintage 18ct 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.
To summarise, this is a highly collectable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which is ready to wear, use, treasure and enjoy. This watch will also provide excellent reliability and a sound financial investment – as long-lasting in fact, as the watch itself!
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 our 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. If you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.
We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
