Rolex Datejust 18K 1970 Silver Dial

Description

Here we have a simply superb, fully restored 1970 Rolex ‘Datejust’ in 18ct Yellow Gold. The Rolex ’Datejust’ along with Rolex ‘Day Date’ have been Rolex’s range-topping, gentleman’s dress watches, for over 60 years! A vintage Rolex ‘Datejust’ however, has a cleaner dial and is rarer than the Rolex ‘Day Date’. The ‘Datejust’ has the same large 36mm size watch case and carries an equally accurate, Chronometer grade, Cal.1570, 26 jewel movement. Here, the movement is in absolutely spectacular condition, featuring the improved ‘butterfly’ rotor, so called due to its light weight and similarity in appearance to a butterfly wing. The Starburst dial has been superbly restored and catches the light beautifully. Vintage Rolex ‘Datejust’ watches of this quality and condition are highly sought after and rarely seen.

The Dial

The freshly restored Silver Starburst dial here is one of the most classic vintage Rolex Dials, carrying restored Rolex ‘Stick Hands’ and inlaid ‘Baton’ hour indices. Please take a close look at the beauty of the dial and the quality of the restoration which has been carried out to the highest standards. This is the original Rolex dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by the best dial restorers in the UK.

The Watch Case

The 18ct yellow gold case measures 36mm, not including the Rolex Oyster screw-down crown. The case has been carefully inspected inside and out. It has then been restored to new condition by very gentle cleaning and hand polishing by our professional watch case polisher. It is therefore now in absolutely immaculate condition with no scratches, dings or similar marks visible to the naked eye. The watch case has the fluted bezel which is, as can be seen, completely free from any marks. The screw-down case-back is high polished and most importantly, full thickness, having never been inscribed. The inside of the case-back carries the Rolex model number 1601 with 18ct Swiss Geneva hallmarks and is signed ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland’. Very importantly, the case also carries its clear serial number, 2,955,726 between the lugs at ’6’, along with the Rolex model reference number 1601, (again) at 12’. The case serial number gives us the date of manufacture of the watch, which was January or February 1970.

Please note the waterproof seals have been replaced inside the waterproof crown and on the screw-down case-back.

The Watch Movement

The original high grade “Officially Certified Chronometer”, 26 Jewels, Calibre 1570 ‘butterfly’ movement is very highly regarded for being very accurate, reliable and strong. As can be seen in the photographs, it is in sparkling condition and is working perfectly following a thorough overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This involves the movement being completely disassembled, cleaned and inspected under high magnification, then rebuilt using only original Rolex parts where required, then tested and calibrated. The watch has just been retested, (as it will be prior to delivery) and is running to within +4 seconds per day, which is outstanding for a vintage watch of this age! The movement is specified to have a 48hr power reserve when fully wound and this has been tested and confirmed.

These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable making the watch appropriate for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing every 2 to 3 years we would fully expect this watch to run very happily for many more decades to come! We are therefore pleased to offer a 12-month warranty on this watch movement* and servicing in the future. Signed MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA and TWENTY SIX JEWELS, ADJUSTED to FIVE POSITIONS,  the movement carries the movement reference number D002899 and the Calibre number 1570.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid. Note – this does not cover water damage – here our standard advice applies: Vintage Watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A new high quality, Green padded ‘Croc’ 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 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 huge range of 20mm straps.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, all the numbers and markings on the watch are correct, dating the watch to 1970.

A detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included in the sale, in addition to our detailed receipt and 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 at any time, 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 Rolex presentation box shown in the photographs will be included with this watch.

In Conclusion

Although this is one of our more expensive watches, its quality will be remembered for long after its purchase price will be forgotten.

To summarise, this is an absolutely top quality and highly practical vintage watch, from horology’s most famous name which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as be something to wear, treasure and enjoy!  It will make the perfect 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, meaning this watch will also make an excellent investment and family heirloom piece. Even though vintage Rolex prices have risen strongly in recent years, we feel top quality, 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 them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these for sale 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 would 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.

We will be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Fully 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 are ready and available and awaiting your call! We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale. And if you would like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting vintage watches, we will also be happy to hear from you.

Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine Vintage Gold Watches!

Thank you.