Rolex Model Ref.4138 18ct Pink Gold c1935

Rolex

Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, the partnership soon 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

An extremely rare, fully restored gentleman’s 18ct pink gold vintage Rolex Precision dress watch, with an outstanding rare two-tone vertical grain dial. The watch is of a very clean, simple and classic design and typical of the 1930s. It contains the original Rolex Calibre 700 movement which is highly reliable and accurate.

This watch is rare for the following reasons – the outstanding two-tone vertical grain style dial with the unique numerals, lollipop hands and subsidiary seconds dial, the 18ct pink gold watch case with the rare ‘coin edge’ and last, but by no means least, the 35mm case which is highly sought after in a Rolex Precision. Very few Rolex Precisions with subsidiary seconds dials were made at 35mm which is a large-sized Rolex Precision for the period.

Such examples are now becoming almost impossible to find, especially in the outstanding condition you see here. This is truly one of the finest examples of a vintage Rolex Precision that we have ever seen, and we have seen a great many.

The Dial

This extremely rare Rolex Precision has a highly impressive vertical grain two-tone dial which has been fully restored to a very high standard. It is complete with unique ‘1 – 12’ standard Arabic numerals which are swept by the original blued steel ‘lollipop’ hands, which are in superb condition. The rare addition of a subsidiary seconds dial completes this watch perfectly. This style of dial has become exceedingly popular and this one looks wonderful against the pink gold case and furnishings.

The dial carries the Rolex Coronet and is signed ‘Rolex’ with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by our dial restorers, considered to be the best in the UK. The lens has also been replaced as part of the restoration.

The Movement

The Rolex Precision Calibre 700, 17 Jewel Superbalance movement is highly regarded for its reliability and accuracy and was a forerunner of the Precision 1200 series movements, which became one of Rolex’s most successful and longest running series of watch movements.

As with all our watches, this is the original movement which has been completely overhauled and restored by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This involves complete disassembly, careful examination under high magnification of each the component parts and replacement where necessary, only with Rolex originals. Finally reassembly and adjustment to Rolex specification before testing and careful calibration in two positions. As can be seen, this movement is in spectacular condition having had the benefit of proper care and maintenance and light use.

The movement is all correctly signed ‘Rolex Geneva’, ’17 Jewels’, ‘Patented Superbalance’, ‘Timed to 2 Positions’ and ‘Swiss’.

The movement winds, runs and sets smoothly and is in superb working order and keeping excellent time. The watch has been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker and is calibrated to run arrow straight within +10 seconds per day! These test results have been confirmed by our electronic watch test Timegrapher instrument. We are therefore more than happy to offer our 12 months’ warranty on the movement of this watch*.

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

The Watch Case

The rare 18ct pink gold case is in tip-top condition and measures 35mm, excluding the original, correct signed Rolex crown. The case features the rare and highly sought-after coin edge design, referring to the milled edge surrounding the watch case exterior. 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 with scratches, dings or other damage visible to the naked eye.

No matter how closely you examine the case it shows no signs of anything more than very light and careful use. Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct and signed ‘Rolex’, ‘31 victories De Haute Precision’ and ‘Geneve’. In addition, the case-back carries the model reference number 4138 and the correct UK 18ct hallmarks. This watch case has been exceptionally well cared for and so after careful inspection, has simply required a clean and gentle polish to bring it back to its current ‘like new’ condition.

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

The Strap & Buckle

The watch is fitted with an original, genuine Rolex black leather strap and Rolex pink gold-plated 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 straps if you wish here.

The 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 c1935.

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 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 Rolex presentation box shown in the photographs is included.

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.

In Conclusion

This is a truly first class example of an extremely rare vintage Rolex Precision in 18ct pink gold which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece. Even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel good examples such as this are still undervalued and as each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.

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. 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.

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

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

If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

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

Thank you.