Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Backback 18ct Pink Gold 1951 – Thunderbird

£6,750

100% Genuine & All Original

Fully Restored, Serviced & Guaranteed

A Well Cared For and Lightly Used Example

Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Model Reference 6085

Rolex Cal.A260 19 Jewels Chronometer Movement

Rare 18ct Solid Pink Gold, Rolex Swiss Made Oyster Case

Rarer Sought After Thunderbird Bezel in Tip-Top Condition

Size Large 34mm Diameter, Excluding the Rolex Super Oyster Crown

Beautiful 1950s Ivory Cream Dial, Original ‘Lance’ Hands & Arrowhead Hour Indices

High-Quality Crocodile Strap with Matching Pink Gold Plated Buckle

Original Rolex Oyster Presentation Box Included

VGWL 12 Months’ Written Warranty Included*

VGWL Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee

Free UK Next Day Delivery!

Free Worldwide FedEx!

Sold 22nd February '19
VGW Reference: R597
Price £6,750

£6,750

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Highly Recommend
The service from Vintage Gold Watches was as per usual Fantastic, the watch arrived when expected and was extremely well packaged as usual. The watch was even nicer than the photos and went straight onto my wrist. Another fantastic acquisition for my growing collection. VGW is the first and so f
Andrew S via Feefo 29/1/2024
Verified Buyer
I have no hesitation in recommending.
From start to finish the service I have received has been excellent. Kirsty has kept me informed all the way and the level of the finished repair to a very old and worn vintage watch was exemplary.
Bryn H via Google Review 23/2/2024
Verified Buyer
Even better in real life
My watch has just arrived and it looks even better in real life! Just wanted to say a massive thank you to John and everyone there for the help you gave me in securing my dream watch. Cannot recommend your company highly enough. Thank you so much. Mike
Mike G via email 29/11/2023
Verified Buyer
New Vacheron
The watch arrived safely together with all its paperwork and looks lovely both on and off the wrist. It is very beautiful and understated. So a definite “yes” from all of us. Happy Christmas to you all Very best wishes Stephen
Stephen R via Email 6/12/2023
Verified Buyer
ABOUT THIS WATCH

Description

A rare example of one of the earliest of the large Bubblebacks, this is Rolex Model reference 6085 with the Calibre 9 3/4 A260 Chronometer movement. Even rarer in 18ct Pink Gold, this watch has the most beautiful early ’50s Ivory Cream dial with the original Lance hands which pair beautifully with Arrowhead and Spearhead hour indices. In terms of purity and simplicity, the absence of a date function here is much preferred, as this retains the perfect symmetry and balance of the dial.

This example also has the rarer Thunderbird bezel which, along with the rest of the case, is in superb condition.  At 34mm diameter, excluding the rare original Super Oyster crown, this was quite a large sized watch in the early 1950s.

This watch has just completed a full restoration by ourselves and as can be seen, the movement is sparkling clean following its overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker.

The Dial

This has to be one of the most attractive early Oyster Perpetual dials. This beautifully simple and elegant Ivory Cream dial has pink gilt Spearhead and Arrowhead hour indices, matched with original restored ‘Lance’ hands. The Ivory Cream dial contrasts beautifully against the pink gold watch case, hour indices, and hands.  –  Just wonderful.

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

Vintage Pink Gold Rolex from the 1950s are quite rare and highly sought after. Here the original 18ct Pink Gold Bubble Back case is in tip-top condition and measures 34mm, excluding the original Rolex Super Oyster crown. The case has been professionally cleaned, carefully inspected and lightly hand-polished. It is immaculate with no scratches, dings or other damage, visible to the naked eye.

The edges of the case are distinct and well defined. The original and sought after Thunderbird bezel is also well defined, which is rare because the bezel is the most exposed part of the watch case and can be prone to damage. This is a good indication that this watch has seen only light and careful use.

This watch still has its original Super Oyster (non-screw down) crown. This is also rare, partly because these watches were only produced for around two years between ’51 and ’53. And many of these have later been converted to screw-down Oyster crowns.

The high polished case-back is of full thickness and has never been engraved

Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct and as expected with the early Rolex scroll signature, ‘Geneve’, ‘Swiss’  ‘Rolex’ ‘Patented’ and with the Rolex model reference numbers 6085, along with Geneva Swiss 18ct hallmarks. These markings along with the movement and the dial indicate the date of this watch as 1951.

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” Rolex Calibre A260, 19 Jewels movement is well regarded for being accurate, reliable, robust and strong. It was in fact, also used in the early Rolex Submariner.

As can be seen, the chrome and zinc plated movement is in remarkably clean 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, careful inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Rolex parts, then careful reassembly and adjustment before testing and calibration in 5 positions. The watch now winds, sets and runs accurately and reliably and after final calibration, the movement is running strongly and accurately within +9 seconds/day. This is outstanding for a watch movement of this age! We have confirmed this timing on our electronic Timegrapher. The power reserve of this watch is 40 hours.

The movement is signed Rolex Perpetual, Chronometer and Swiss Made and Patented. It carries the movement reference numbers 01759 and F29020.

This watch movement is now ready for many more years of faithful service and is quite suitable for everyday use. We are therefore pleased to offer this watch with our 12 months’ 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 black Crocodile strap with a Rolex pink 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 1951. Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will 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 original Rolex Oyster presentation box as shown.

In Conclusion

A very rare and highly collectable early example of this iconic watch from horology’s most famous name which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy!

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.

Even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly in the past 12 months, we still feel great examples such as this are still 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 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.

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

Thank you.

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