Rolex Precision Coin Edge Cal.1215 9ct 1966

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, 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 beautifully restored, good sized 9ct vintage Rolex Precision ‘coin edge’ gentleman’s dress watch in immaculate condition from 1966. Rolex The slightly off-white dial with the popular ‘3 – 6 – 9’ numerals, make this a rare and sought after watch, particularly when found in such excellent condition.

The Dial

The classic, slightly off-white dial with gilt ‘baton’ hour indices is one of our favourite dials. The dial is complemented with the original and beautiful unrestored, gilt ‘Lance’ hands. This dial also carries yellow gold ‘3 – 6 – 9’ numerals which are in wonderful condition. The symmetry and simplicity of the clean white dial is an exercise in pure 1960s elegance. It is signed with the perennial Rolex Coronet with ‘Rolex’ at 12 o’clock and ‘Precision’ below at 6 o’clock.

This is the original dial which has been previously restored to a very high standard and remains in a tip-top condition.

The Movement

This is the original, high-grade Rolex Calibre 1215, 17 Jewels movement, which as can be seen in the photographs, is in sparkling condition. The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced which means it has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using original Rolex parts where required, by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. When tested and calibrated, this watch was running to within +3 seconds per day, which is outstanding for any vintage watch of this age. This is also among four or five of the most accurate watches we have tested this year. When fully wound, this movement has a 58-hour power reserve. The movement is all correctly signed ‘Montes Rolex SA Geneva Swiss’, and ‘17 Jewels’, with the Calibre number 1215 and the reference number 829.

These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable, making the watch perfectly appropriate for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing every 3 years, we would fully expect this watch to run very happily for many more decades to come. We are therefore more than pleased to offer a 12 month warranty on this watch movement* and regular servicing in the future.

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

The Watch Case

The 9ct yellow gold case is in tip-top condition and measures 34mm, excluding the original, correct unsigned Rolex crown. The case features the rare and highly sought-after coin edge design, referring to the milled edge surrounding the watch case exterior, and the case also features wonderful straight lugs.

The case has been professionally cleaned and carefully inspected, requiring only a very light hand-polishing to remove any tarnishing and bring it back to the current condition. There are no scratches, dings or other damage visible to the naked eye.

Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct for a Rolex watch case made by one of its three UK case-makers and signed signed D.S.&S  (David Shackman & Sons Ltd) with 9ct hallmarks and the model number 30056. The case-back exterior is left neat and unmarked.

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

The Strap and Buckle

A new good quality brown leather 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 our full range of straps if you wish here.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the numbers and markings on the movement, case and case-back are all correct, dating this watch to 1966.

A detailed written description and receipt, with a 12 month warranty* and separate insurance valuation (for the replacement value in the event of loss) will be provided at the time of sale. We will also provide a Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee Certificate which states: If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, we will offer you a full refund, at any time.

A Rolex presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

A first class example of a highly collectable and highly practical vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy! It will make an excellent evening wear dress watch as well as a practical highly accurate and reliable timepiece to use on an everyday basis.

Vintage gold Rolex Precision watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong. This watch will make an excellent investment and family heirloom piece and even though vintage Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we feel fine examples such as this still remain undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage watches expands, availability will become more limited so prices are surely destined to climb ever higher!

A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring these 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 inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are a number of well-known stores in West London which are very 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 wish to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or International Bank Wire Transfer, we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please note, we welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will be happy to Service, Repair or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions, please call our landline 020 7727 7095 or mobile 07515 949 250. Or if calling from overseas our landline number is +44 207 727 7095 or mobile +44 7515 949 250.

We await your call! We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale. If you would like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting, we will also be very happy to hear from you.

Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches!

Thank you.