Rolex Precision Model Ref.8405 18ct Pink Gold c1952

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

A simply wonderful early and rare Rolex Precision gentleman’s dress watch. A stunning watch in every regard with a beautiful, previously restored honeycomb dial, wonderful movement and an exceptional 18ct pink gold case. The dial is particularly unusual and attractive, characterised by ‘pencil’ hour indices on an off-white honeycomb dial.

This is a very clean and well cared for example which has undergone some very light and gentle polishing to bring it back to the almost new condition you see here. The watch also carries the high grade Cal.1200 hand-wound movement, which is in spectacular condition.

The Dial

This is a beautiful example of a Rolex Precision with a rare honeycomb dial in tip-top condition. We have sold hundreds of Rolex Precisions over the years and only ever seen one or two such examples. The honeycomb guilloche effect is quite subtle, but elevates the dial to something very special. This beautifully elegant dial carries unrestored ‘dauphine’ hands and wonderful unrestored ‘pencil’ hour indices, with the wonderful addition of a subsidiary seconds dial above ‘6’.

The dial is simply signed ‘Rolex’ with ‘Swiss’ at the bottom and is very clear and easy to read even in low light.

This dial has been previously restored to a very high standard and as can be seen remains in sparkling condition.

The Movement

The high grade Calibre 1200, 17 Jewel hand-wound movement is incredibly clean and also in incredibly good condition. It has just been overhauled and serviced by our expert watchmaker and is running perfectly. These movements are very highly regarded for their accuracy and reliability and this movement has been calibrated to run arrow straight within +6 seconds per day, checked and confirmed on our electronic watch timer. The movement also has an excellent 58-hour power reserve when fully wound.

The movement is signed ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Swiss’, ‘Seventeen 17 Jewels’ and ‘Adjusted to 2 positions’ with the calibre number 1200 and the serial number 90111.

This particular movement is in superb condition and with regular servicing, we would fully expect this watch to run quite happily for many more decades to come. We are therefore very confident in offering this watch with a 12-month written warranty*.

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

The Case

The rare 18ct pink gold case is in excellent condition, having been very well cared for, and shows only the faintest signs of wear visible to the naked eye. The full-thickness press-fit case-back clicks securely into place just as it should and importantly, has never been inscribed.

The case measures 35mm in diameter, excluding the correct Rolex unsigned crown. This would have been a large gents sized watch during the mid-century, but could be considered equally suitable as a ladies watch today.

The wonderful Rolex Swiss-made case is signed ‘Rolex’ and ‘Geneva Swiss’ this case also carries the model reference 8405 and 18ct hallmarks which date this watch to c1952. The case, case-back and bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch case has been exceptionally well cared for, therefore 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.

Strap and Buckle

The watch has been fitted with a high quality brown ostrich strap and Rolex pink gold-plated buckle. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, we will do our best to provide this at no extra charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown burgundy and black straps in stock, in plain padded leather, alligator, or lizard skin.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating this watch to c1952.

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, 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 watch comes complete with a Rolex presentation box, as shown in the photographs.

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.