Rolex Precision 18ct Honeycomb Dial, 1956 Oversize 36.5mm

Rolex

Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it 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 very rare, fully restored, 18ct vintage Rolex Precision ‘Oversize’ gentleman’s dress watch in immaculate condition from 1956. Rolex Precisions were produced in many sizes during the 1950s, starting at 30mm in diameter, excluding including the crown. The majority were 32, 32 and 33mm, with some 34mm. Very rarely, Rolex or their U.K. case-makers produced Oversized 35mm models and even rarer 36mm.

Here, we have a simply beautiful fully restored 1956 Rolex Precision 18ct, gentleman’s dress watch with an extremely rare 36.5mm oversized watch case. This Rolex Precision is incredibly rare, not only due to its size, but also due to its rare honeycomb dial with 1 – 12 standard Arabic numerals. This not only makes this a more attractive watch, but adds to its exclusivity. Add to this a Rolex Precision in an 18ct gold case, as opposed to the more usual 9ct or 14ct and here we have something very special.

This is a very carefully owned and lightly used example in immaculate condition, having just completed a full restoration by ourselves.

All in all, a fabulous timepiece!

The Dial

A rare example of a Rolex Precision with a rare honeycomb dial! 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 is the wonderful, original, classic Rolex dial design with applied gold 1 – 12 standard Arabic numerals. We have found this to be one of our most sought after dial designs, with original restored ‘Leaf’ hands completing the unmistakable 1950s period look and charm of this watch. The dial has been faithfully and sympathetically restored in ivory white. This subtly changes colour depending on the ambient light, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs.

This is the original dial which has been sympathetically restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers, who are considered to be the best in the UK. This is therefore as fine a vintage dial restoration as you are ever likely to see.

The Movement

The watch carries its original high-grade Rolex Calibre 1210, 17 Jewel movement, which as can be seen in the photographs, is in spectacular condition. The movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using only original Rolex parts where required, by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. When tested and calibrated immediately following its restoration, this watch was running to within 8 seconds per day which is outstanding for a vintage watch of this age! The movement is all correctly signed ‘ROLEX’, ‘SWISS MADE’ and ‘17 Jewels’, with the Calibre number 1210 and the reference number 05942. These movements are highly accurate and very reliable making the watch perfectly appropriate for regular everyday use should you so wish. This particular watch movement is in top condition and with regular servicing, every 3 years, we would fully expect this watch to run very happily for many more decades to come! We are therefore pleased to be able to offer a 12-month warranty on this watch movement*.

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

The Case

The slim, 18ct gold, three-piece watch case measures 36.5mm in diameter, excluding the correct unsigned Rolex crown, making this one of the rarest and largest Rolex Precisions. The case measures less than 10mm deep including the lens, which is quite thin for a watch of this diameter and year.

The case is in immaculate condition and even the case-back looks pristine. No matter how closely you examine the case it shows no signs of anything more than very light and careful use. There are no scratches, dings, dimples or other marks visible to the naked eye. This watch case was made for Rolex by its highest quality U.K. watch case maker, D. Shackman & Sons. Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct, signed ‘DS&S’. Shackman was one of the top U.K. case-makers which made cases for Rolex, the other being Dennison of Birmingham. In addition, the case-back carries the reference number 02130, along with London U.K. 18ct hallmarks, which date this watch to 1956. 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

A new brown Crocodile strap has been fitted, along with a matching 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 19mm straps if you wish here.

The Box and Papers

Genuine original documents with a watch of this age are very rare and although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1956. A detailed Particulars document will be included with the receipt, along with our 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 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 as shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is a truly first-class example of a 1950s vintage Rolex Precision which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece and even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel good examples such as this are still undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.

To summarise, this is a truly rare and highly collectable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which is ready to wear, use, treasure and enjoy. It will provide excellent reliability and a sound financial investment, – as long-lasting as the watch itself!

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.

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

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

Please take a look at our other fine Vintage Gold Watches.

Thank you.