Ladies Rolex Precision Cal.1401 18ct c1971

Rolex

It is not so very well known that Rolex was actually founded in the UK in London in 1905 and it was not until 1919 that the company transferred its base of operations to Geneva, Switzerland. It is also a misconception that the world of luxury watches is a gentlemans one, as the first recorded wristwatch was actually designed for a lady. In June 1810, Abraham-Louis Breguet made a watch for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples. For many decades, women have proudly worn Rolex watches and have been integral to the brand’s success.

Description

The watch we have here is an absolutely amazing example of a ladies Rolex Precision cocktail watch in 18ct yellow gold from c1971. This watch is complete with its original integral ‘bark’ bracelet, also in 18ct gold and made in the UK for Rolex by the famous watch case and jewellery makers, Global Watch Maker. The condition of the bracelet, watch case and movement is superb, indicating this watch has only ever seen very light occasional and careful use.

The Dial

The original, unrestored and untouched silver dial with applied ‘baton’ hour indices is, as can be seen in the close-up photographs, in superb condition. The dial is complete with its original ‘Lancette’ style hands which are also tip-top, especially considering the age of the watch. The dial is framed by a beautiful crystal effect bezel insert, which catches the light wonderfully. It is crowned with the usual Rolex ‘Coronet’ at 12 and is signed ‘Rolex’ with ‘Precision’ below. At 20mm diameter, including the crown, this is quite a small watch in comparison with most others, however, the dial is quite easy to read, even at arm’s length.

As mentioned above, the dial is original and unrestored and has been left untouched by our restoration team due to its superb condition. Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however we decided in this case to leave it alone, due to its unusually good condition and to retain its originality and charm for those who prefer this. It also helps to contrast with almost all of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored. The hands, likewise, have also been left in their original untouched condition.

Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras, and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you’re seeing may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself. Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.

The Movement

The high grade Calibre 1401, 18 jewel hand-wound movement is in incredibly clean and sparkling condition and has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our expert vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker.

Rolex went to considerable lengths and expense to ensure its 13.75mm diameter, Cal.1401 series movements performed equally as well as its larger gents Precision movements – and they succeeded! These are indeed high precision movements and the example here is running perfectly, having been calibrated to run consistently within plus or minus 9 seconds per day! This is truly outstanding for any mechanical watch and it is no exaggeration – we have checked the test results on our electronic watch timegrapher. This movement also has an excellent power reserve of 44 hours when fully wound.

The movement is signed Rolex, ‘Swiss’ and ’18 Rubies’ (Jewels) and marked with the Calibre number 1401. This particular movement is in beautiful condition and with regular servicing, say every 3 to 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to continue to run very happily for another 50+ years! We are therefore totally confident in offering this watch with our 12 months written warranty*.

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

The Case

The 18ct yellow gold case measures 20mm in diameter, including the correct signed crown. Please note, the winding crown stem is slightly extended but remains hidden by the bracelet. The watch is easily wound by running one’s finger along the back of the crown. The hands are then set by pulling the crown from the underside of the bracelet

On the inside of the case-back, the markings are all correct and signed ‘Montres Rolex S.A Geneva Switzerland’ along with the correct 18ct hallmarks and the model reference number 2606.

The case is of a very solid two-piece design with an integral bezel which was designed to improve water and dust resistance. The press-fit case-back clicks into place with a firm and satisfying ‘pop’, indicating it is a nice tight fit and importantly, this is of full thickness and has never been inscribed.

This watch has exceptionally well cared for and has simply required a clean, thorough inspection, then a gentle hand-polish to bring it back to its current ‘like new’ condition with no scratches, dings or other forms of damage visible to the naked eye.

Please note – our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Bracelet

The original, integral Rolex signed bracelet is in matching solid 18ct yellow gold and has a wonderful bark effect. The bracelet is in fantastic condition, showing no significant signs of wear or damage visible to the naked eye and is, as expected, superbly made and quite weighty and substantial. While the links do not stretch, they are just flexible enough to hug the wrist beautifully with no gaps or unevenness in any of the links.

The bracelet remains at its original standard 17.8cm length, which means the watch and bracelet are a perfect fit for a lady with a wrist size/circumference of 17.8 centimetres. The original Rolex signed clasp and lock is superbly designed with a safety catch which securely locks, making the watch secure on the wrist. This means it is impossible for the clasp to become accidentally undone and for the watch to become loose on the wrist.

Please note – the catch is not adjustable, meaning this watch will not fit a larger wrist. However, it could be tailored to fit a smaller wrist. If upon purchasing this watch, this becomes necessary, we will be pleased to arrange this for you for a nominal fee.

Please call or message us to discuss this, or if you have any queries about the bracelet or any other aspect of the watch.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to c1971.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. 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 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

The high quality hardwood presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. 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 who happen to visit London 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 hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.