The late 1920s and early 1930s saw Rolex at its most creative and most dynamic. Having launched the first truly waterproof and commercially successful (Oyster) watch in 1926, this relatively young company, est. 1906, was about to go on to launch its first automatic waterproof, the Oyster Perpetual Chronometer in 1934, thus building the foundations of the company we know today. However, even at this early stage, this highly ambitious company offered a wide range of models to the market, many of which we seldom see, due to relatively low production numbers.
The wristwatch we see here is just such an example, which if we take a moment to consider, bears little relationship with the pocket watch from which it descended only fifteen or twenty years earlier and which remained popular right up and until the Second World War.
Though not officially referred to by Rolex as the Tank, there is little doubt this model was produced in response to the success of the Cartier Tank model launched in 1919. This was so called because the outline of the watch case somewhat resembled the aerial view of the WW1 military tank. Prior to this, all watches were round, reflecting the shape of the movement. However, during the 1920s and ’30s, rectangular case design watches became hugely fashionable, which is why now perhaps, we loosely associate these with our Grandfather’s watch.
Finding good examples of any pre-WW2 Rolex has become increasingly hard in the past 10 years, but finding an example of this design is very difficult, as most are in the hands of collectors and seldom come to the market these days.
The Watch Case
The case measures 26mm across, excluding the correct Rolex crown, and 31mm from top to bottom. This may seem a little small, but it is, in fact, a very large watch for the period, especially if one considers it is 38mm from lug to lug and 44mm across the diagonal. The case is hinged at the top and swings open from behind and can be pried open using the lip on one end with one’s thumbnail, revealing the dial. The movement can then be removed without any tools by gripping the dial and gently easing it and the attached movement away from the case-back.
When acquiring such a watch, especially in gold, it is important to ensure the case shows no wear, no fatigue cracks and no pinholes, particularly around the hinge and corner areas. This type of case is prone to wear and damage in these areas, which is another reason for these watches becoming rare as they can often be beyond repair and restoration. Fortunately, this example has been very well cared for and lightly used so apart from our usual checks and cleaning, the case has required little work apart from some very light hand-polishing. There are no scratches or dings, and no damage/wear visible to the naked eye.
Inside the case-back is found the early and correct R.W.C Ltd signature for Rolex Watch Co Ltd. The case, in common with the majority of Rolex gold cases of this period, was hallmarked in Glasgow, U.K and the hallmark dates this watch to 1933. Externally, the case-back also carries the Rolex model reference number 859 and the case serial number 836627. As can be seen, these numbers are clear and distinct, which is a very strong indication this watch has been very lightly used.
As always, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Dial
Many rectangular watches of this period carried dials with ‘art-deco’ influences and this can be seen, to a degree in the design of the numerals. Square and rectangular watch dials present certain challenges to dial designers, but here the approach is very simple with Black standard Arabic numerals on a slightly Off-White dial with a small subsidiary seconds dial at 6′. The dial carries the original blued steel hands which are in excellent condition. The dial is correctly signed: ‘Rolex’ with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom.
The Movement
The movement fitted to this watch is the original 10½ Hunter, 15 Jewel movement used in all the best Rolex hand-wound watches of this period. As can be seen, it is in very clean condition having just completed a full overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. It has been completely dismantled to each of its component parts before cleaning and inspection under high magnification, then replacement where necessary with only genuine Rolex parts, careful reassembly and adjustments to Rolex spec, before final calibration and testing.
The movement is therefore now running accurately and within expectations of 30 seconds per day. The standard expected of these watches is to run to within 1 minute per day, which is our guarantee. The power reserve when fully wound on this movement is 30 hours. We confident in offering this watch with a 12-month written warranty*.
The movement is signed Rolex, Swiss Made and 15 Rubies.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only included if the list price is paid.
Strap and Buckle
A high quality, new Brown Lizard strap is fitted with a gold plated Rolex buckle. If a different colour or style of strap is preferred, we will do our best to provide this at no extra charge.
Box and Papers
Although there is no original paperwork with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to 1933. 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 watch comes complete with a high quality hardwood presentation box.
In Conclusion
We love to find and make available fine old vintage gold Rolex watches of this rarity, quality and condition! This is a superb, highly collectable and usable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to 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.
A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before then 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 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.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
