Rolex Precision 18ct Oversize 35mm 1963 Guilloché Dial – Sorry Now Sold! 25 Sept. ’16

Description

Here we have a mint completely original unrestored example of an 18ct Rolex Precision ‘Oversize’ gentleman’s dress watch in incredibly lightly used condition, from 1963. Rolex Precisions were produced in several sizes, starting at 30mm in diameter, not including the crown. The majority were 32 and 33mm with some 34mm. Very rarely, Rolex produced some 35mm watches such as the example we see here. These are highly sought after watches because the seemingly small difference in size adds significantly to the ‘presence’ and rarity of the watch. Its silver Guilloché dial (more on this later) also makes this is a rare and sought after watch, especially when found in such mint condition as this. Further, by far the vast majority of Rolex Precisions are found in 9ct gold or 10 or 14 in the U.S., unlike this watch which has an 18ct case, also adding significantly to its value.

The Dial

This watch is particularly special due to it’s Guilloché (a vertically cut engraved effect sometimes referred to as a ribbon effect) dial which is a distinctive feature of this watch. It catches the light wonderfully and depending on the source and direction it changes colour slightly between silver and white. We have tried to capture this in the photographs but needless to say it looks much better in real life and especially on ones wrist! This is the original unrestored dial which looks incredibly clean and fresh! This, added to the simplicity and elegance of the dial and with the ever popular ‘50s Dauphine hands which are often seen on revival or heritage models of today, all add to quite a contemporary appearance, even though the watch is 53 years old…

The Movement

The watch carries its original high grade 17 Jewel Rolex Calibre .1225 RB movement, which as can be seen in the photographs, is in spectacularly clean condition. The movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using original Rolex parts where required by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker and when tested and calibrated on 27th January ’16, this watch was running to within +4 seconds per day, which is outstanding for a vintage watch of this age! The movement is all correctly signed ‘MONTRES ‘ROLEX SA GENEVA SWISS’ and ‘17 JEWELS’ and with the Calibre number 1225 and a ref.7010. These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable, making the watch completely appropriate for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing every 3 to 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run very happily for many more decades to come! We are pleased to offer a 12 months warranty on this watch movement*. *

The Case

The beautifully elegant 18ct gold two-piece case measures 35mm in diameter, not including the original signed Rolex crown and so this is a rare, ‘oversized’ sized Rolex Precision. The watch case is in truly immaculate condition and when one turns it around, it is plainly obvious to see this watch has been used very sparingly, perhaps even a matter of a few times only. The outside of the case back carries a very lightly engraved Rolex Crown and an equally lightly engraved Rolex case ref number (1579737) and both are so crisp they suggest the watch has hardly been used, especially so on an 18ct gold case. Elsewhere, no matter how closely you examine the case from any angle, even under a loupe, it shows no signs of use at all.

Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct for a Rolex Swiss made case, with Geneva 18ct hallmarks and again correctly signed ‘MONTRES ‘ROLEX SA GENEVA SWISS’ with Rolex case model reference numbers 997J and 96 and because the case has seen little use, it has simply required a clean and the gentlest polish, to bring it to its current ‘like new’ condition. We have fitted a new lens just to finish the watch off nicely,

The Strap and Buckle

The strap fitted is a new well matched high quality dark brown crocodile skin strap fitted with a Rolex gold plated buckle. Please note 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 styles and colours at short notice.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, all the numbers and markings on the watch are correct, dating the watch to 1963. A fully detailed written receipt, with a 12 months warranty* and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value, will be provided at the time of sale. The matching presentation box shown in the photographs will be included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is a highly collectible vintage gold watch from horology’s most famous name which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something for you to treasure and enjoy!

This is a truly outstanding example of a 1963 vintage Rolex Precision ‘Oversize’ 35mm which is ready to wear and quite appropriate for everyday use.  If treated with care, it will make a sound  investment or excellent heirloom piece. Even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen at around 15% per annum in the past 2-3 years, we still feel good examples such as this, are undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches continues to grow, prices will inevitably climb ever higher.

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 bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you.

*Note – 12 Month warranty only included if the list price is paid.

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 welcome part exchanges.

Please take a look at our other vintage gold watches.