Rolex Oyster ‘Datejust’ Roulette Calendar 18ct 1952

Rolex

Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, the partnership became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915 and moved 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.

During the 1930s and ’40s, Rolex also became quite masterful at courting tremendous publicity and excitement through literally being ‘on hand’ during numerous record-breaking events. These were, for example, swimming the English Channel (1927), breaking the world automobile speed record (300mph, 1935), breaking the sound barrier (1947) and climbing Everest for the first time in 1953. No matter how well orchestrated these events came to be, we have to admire Rolex for becoming masters of self-promotion and capitalising on every opportunity with simultaneous worldwide marketing campaigns.

Of course, Rolex is now so ubiquitous it is almost its own kind of its currency. A Rolex is the watch you want on your wrist when you’re in a Third World country when revolution breaks out, there’s only one seat on the plane – and there’s a guy standing there with a machine gun! You give him a Rolex and he’ll give you the seat!

Description

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubblebacks draw their name from the bulbous case-back designed to accommodate Rolex’s early Calibre A295 automatic movement and rotor. The movements were deeper on the earlier Oyster Perpetuals, produced between 1950 and circa 1954, and these are popularly known as the large, or big bubblebacks. These watches had a 34mm Oyster case, as opposed to the ‘small’ Rolex Bubblebacks which had a 32mm case and were produced between 1934 and 1950.

This wonderful example of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual is in fact a ‘Datejust’, but to call the watch a ‘Datejust’ is slightly misleading, as the watch dates back to 1949, and is actually what could be considered a ‘Pre-Datejust’ since it has a date complication. However, its dial merely lacks the ‘Datejust’ name that now defines watches from this collection.

We have here a classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual Large Bubbleback, complete with a charming ivory-cream dial and a very highly regarded Calibre A295 automatic movement.

This watch has been fully restored by ourselves, and is therefore in wonderful condition and now ready for many more years of faithful service!

The Dial

We feel 1950s vintage Rolex dials are the most wonderful examples of Rolex style, simplicity and elegance. This charming ivory cream dial with ‘dagger’ and ‘spearhead’ hour indices is difficult to find and quite sought after. It contrasts beautifully with the yellow gold case and is full of character and 1950s Rolex charm. The original ‘lance’ hands and centre seconds hand complete the dial perfectly. This watch also carries a ‘roulette’ date wheel, with the date number alternating between red and black as each day passes.

The dial is signed ‘Rolex Oyster Perpetual’ with ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’ below and ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom.

The lens has been replaced with a new original Rolex part and so it is fresh and scratch-free.

This dial is in stunning condition due to the superb work of our dial restorers. This is the original dial which has been expertly restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Case

The classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual waterproof case in 18ct yellow gold measures 36mm in diameter, excluding crown. Remarkably, this watch still has its original Super Oyster (screw-down) waterproof crown. This is rare, partly because these were only produced for only around two or three years and also because many of these were later converted to the later screw-down Oyster crowns.

The Bubbleback case with the sought after plain bezel is in superb condition. The case has been professionally cleaned and lightly polished and is looking superb. Inside the case-back all is correct and as expected, signed with the beautifully ornate early Rolex branding, along with the model ref. 5030 and Swiss 18ct hallmarks.

On the outside of the case between the lugs at 6 we find the case serial number 648072 which dates this watch to 1952.

Please note – as part of the restoration we have replaced all the rubber seals on the case-back and the winding crown and stem tube. However, although the watch was specified as waterproof when new, this has not been tested and it 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, Rolex Calibre A.295, 19 Jewel Chronometer automatic movement is in superb condition. The watch is running perfectly following a complete overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This involves completely dismantling the movement to all its component parts, close examination under high magnification, then using only genuine Rolex replacement parts where required, careful reassembly and lubrication using Rolex specified lubricants.

This particular movement is sparkling clean and winds, sets and runs perfectly, just as it should. When finally tested following its overhaul, this watch was found to be keeping superb time to within +5 seconds per day which is is outstanding for any watch of this age. We are therefore highly confident in offering this watch with a 12-month warranty on the movement* and will also be very happy to assist you with competitively priced servicing in the future.

These Chronometer grade movements are very strong, very accurate and very reliable making this watch perfectly suitable for both evening wear and everyday use, should you so wish. This movement is in superb, sparkling clean, A1 condition and with regular servicing, say every 3 – 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run happily another lifetime!

The movement is correctly signed ‘Rolex Perpetual Chronometer’ and ‘Swiss Made’, with the reference number G37527.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A new, high quality black Alligator strap has been fitted, along with a 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 straps in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their Hirsch range of 19mm straps if you wish here.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating this watch to 1952.

A detailed written receipt with 12 months’ warranty* and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value 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 Rolex Oyster presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

A superb example of a 1950s vintage gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback in immaculate condition. It is the classic Rolex automatic of the period, the evolution of which remains in production to this day. It is completely practical for every day and much more interesting, charming and individual than the modern equivalent. With careful use and if treated with care, this watch will make an excellent investment and heirloom piece.

Even though vintage Rolex prices have risen markedly in the past few years, we still feel fine examples such as this, have a very long way to go. We say this because as every year passes, the global market for vintage Rolex watches is expanding rapidly, with a subsequent effect on prices.

In summary, this is a highly collectable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which is ready to wear, use, treasure and enjoy. It will also provide excellent reliability and a sound financial investment – as long-lasting as the watch itself!

We guarantee you will never be disappointed with this watch! From every aspect and no matter how closely you look, it is immaculate and cannot be faulted.

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 and presenting them for sale. 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.

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 0207 727 7095  or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges.

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

Thank you.