Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14ct, 1955

Rolex

Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it 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.

During the 1930s and ’40s, Rolex also became quite masterful at courting tremendous publicity and excitement through literally being ‘on hand’ during numerous record-breaking events. These were, for example, swimming the English Channel (1927), breaking the world automobile speed record (300mph, 1935), breaking the sound barrier (1947) and climbing Everest for the first time in 1953. No matter how well orchestrated these events came to be, we have to admire Rolex for becoming masters of self-promotion and capitalising on every opportunity with simultaneous worldwide marketing campaigns.

Of course, Rolex is now so ubiquitous it is almost its own kind of its currency. A Rolex is the watch you want on your wrist when you’re in a Third World country when revolution breaks out and there’s only one seat on the plane, – and there’s a guy standing there with a machine gun! You give him a Rolex and he’ll give you the seat!

Description

A beautiful example of a fully restored Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer in 14ct yellow gold from 1955. This is Rolex model reference 6567, with the Rolex Calibre 1030, 25 Jewel Chronometer grade movement which is superbly accurate and reliable even by current day standards. The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced by our watchmaker and is in spectacular condition. At 34mm diameter, excluding the signed Rolex crown, the watch carries the earlier fluted bezel which is much more subtle than later examples.

This classic Rolex timepiece is perfectly suited for all occasions, including everyday use. It is in wonderful condition throughout, having recently completed a full restoration by ourselves and now ready for many more decades of faithful service!

The Dial

Just perfect! The original and beautifully elegant early 1950s ivory cream dial carries gilt ‘baton’ hour indices, matched with the original restored ‘Dauphine’ hands. The ivory cream of the dial provides a beautifully subtle contrast against the yellow gold watch case, hour indices and hands. In terms of symmetry and purity, the absence of a date function is often preferred as this helps the dial to retain its perfect balance.

The dial has the applied gilt Rolex brand and Coronet at 12 and is signed ‘Rolex’ with ‘Oyster Perpetual’ below. It also states ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’  with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom. All in all, this is a very attractive understated classic 1950s Oyster Perpetual dial.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Watch Case

The 14ct yellow gold case is in tip-top condition and measures 34mm, excluding the original Rolex signed, Oyster screw-down crown. The case has been professionally cleaned, carefully inspected, lightly polished and is in superb condition with no scratches, dings or other damage, visible to the naked eye. The case carries its original early fluted bezel which is more subtle and refined than the later examples.

Inside the case-back, all the markings are as expected and correct with the Rolex signature: ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland’, along with Geneva Swiss 14ct hallmarks. The case also carries the Rolex model reference number 6567. The watch carries a clear case number 240795 between the lugs at 6 o’clock which confirms the date of manufacture of this watch as 1955.

Please note – even though this watch was specified as waterproof when new, and the rubber seals have been replaced on the case-back and crown, the water-resistance of this watch has not been tested and is not guaranteed. As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Watch Movement

The original high grade “Officially Certified Chronometer” 25 Jewels, 1030 calibre ‘butterfly’ movement is very highly regarded for being particularly accurate, reliable and strong. This movement is known as a ‘butterfly’ movement, due to the lightened rotor which resembles a butterfly wing. Here, it is in sparkling condition and working perfectly following a thorough overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This involves dismantling the watch to all its component parts and careful inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Rolex parts, then careful reassembly and adjustment before final calibration in 5 positions. The watch winds, sets and runs accurately and reliably and after final testing and calibration, the movement is running strongly and accurately within +5 seconds/day, which is outstanding for a watch movement of this age! The power reserve of this watch is 42 hours.

The movement is signed ‘Rolex SA Geneva Swiss’, ‘Twenty Five Jewels’, ‘Adjusted to Five Positions’ and carries the movement reference number D686336 and the Calibre number 1030.

This watch movement is now ready for many more years of faithful service and is perfectly suited for everyday use. We are therefore very confident in offering this watch with our extendable 12-month warranty on the movement*.

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

The Strap and Buckle

This watch is fitted with a very high-quality Hirsch London Brown Alligator strap with a Rolex gold-plated buckle. However, if a different style or colour 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 burgundy and brown in stock, in plain padded leather, alligator, crocodile skin or lizard skin.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to 1955.

Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will also be provided at the time of sale and our ‘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 also comes complete with the Rolex Oyster presentation box shown in the photographs.

In Conclusion

This is a truly top class example of a 1950s vintage gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual, in wonderful condition. The watch is ready to wear and totally practical for everyday use. If treated with care it will make an excellent investment or family heirloom piece as well as be something to treasure and enjoy!

Even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly in the past 12 months, we still feel great examples such as this are undervalued, because as each year goes by, the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches is expanding almost exponentially and so we think prices are destined to climb ever higher in the foreseeable future.

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 us on 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges.

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

Thank you.