Rolex Precision Metropolitan Ref 4325 18ct Pink Gold & Steel 1949

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.

Here we have a circa 1949 Rolex Precision with a beautiful 18ct Pink Gold Oversize Metropolitan case with a milled bezel, sometimes referred to as the ‘Thunderbird’ bezel. This model is known by Rolex reference 4325, as shown on the inside of the steel case-back.

Rolex Precisions were produced in several sizes in the 1950s, starting at 30mm in diameter, not including the crown. The majority were 32 and 33mm with some 34mm, but very rarely, Rolex or their UK case-makers produced models of 35mm and above, such as the example we see here. These oversized watches are highly sought after because the seemingly small difference in diameter adds significantly to the ‘presence’ and value of the watch. The larger Rolex Precision Metropolitan case and straight lugs, lend the watch something of a Patek Phillipe Calatrava look.

This Rolex model ref 4325 was also released as a Chronometer, however in this instance the watch has not been classed by Rolex as a Chronometer.

This watch has just completed a full restoration by ourselves, including the movement, the dial and watch-case. These are three separate sets of skills, so our Watchmaker has restored and serviced the movement, our Dial Restorer has very sympathetically restored the dial and our Case-Maker has inspected and carefully restored the watch case.

The Dial

The overall impression of the silver dial with black and pink gilt baton hour indices, matched with the original restored Leaf hands, is very pure and simple. The classical, timeless elegance here, is again, a perfect example of how vintage beats modern, hands down, every time! In keeping with 1940s and early 1950s watches, the dial also carries a subsidiary seconds dial at six o’clock, adding charm and sophistication to the overall look of the dial and watch. The complementary hour indices around the bezel accentuate the size of the dial and watch, giving the watch more ‘presence’ and making the watch  seem much larger on the wrist.

The dial is correctly signed: Rolex, Precision, with Swiss at the very bottom of the dial and the correct Rolex Coronet brand at 12.

This is the original dial which has been beautifully and sympathetically restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers, considered to be the best in the UK, making this is as fine an example as you are ever likely to see.

The Movement

The Rolex Precision Calibre 700, 17 Jewel Superbalance movement is highly regarded for its reliability and accuracy and was a forerunner of the Precision 1200 series movements, which became one of Rolex’s most successful and longest running series of watch movements.

As with all our watches, this is the original movement which has been completely overhauled and restored by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This involves complete disassembly, careful examination under high magnification of each the component parts and replacement where necessary, only with Rolex originals. Finally reassembly and adjustment to Rolex specification before testing and careful calibration in five positions. As can be seen, this movement is in spectacular condition having had the benefit of proper care and maintenance and light use.

The movement is all correctly signed ‘Rolex Precision’, ’17 Jewels’, ‘Patented Superbalance’ and ‘Swiss’.

The movement winds, runs and sets smoothly and is in superb working order and keeping excellent time. The watch has been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker and is calibrated to run arrow straight within +8 seconds per day! These test results have been confirmed by our electronic watch test Timegrapher instrument. We are therefore more than happy to offer our 12 months’ warranty on the movement of this watch*.

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

The Case

The most elegant 18ct solid Pink Gold and Steel straight lugs case measures 35mm in diameter, excluding the Rolex nipple crown, making this one of the rare ‘Oversized’ Rolex Precisions. Gold and Steel Rolex Precision Metropolitans are rarely found. As the early Rolex Precision Calibre 700 movement was not antimagnetic, the use of a steel case rather than gold assisted in protecting the movement against any stray magnetic effects, from say an old valve radio, speaker, or electric motor.

The case is beautifully slim with a rounded case-back, meaning the watch measures only 8mm in depth including the lens. However, its most notable feature is the Metropolitan milled bezel, which is a rarity on Rolex Precisions. This carries very fine radial grooves around the bezel with larger markings at each hour. These complementary hour indices around the bezel accentuate the size of the dial and watch, making it wear larger on the wrist. Bezels are of course always prone to damage and particularly those with any kind of decoration. However, here the bezel really is in excellent condition and has not been overly polished which is very unusual. This, along with a nicely polished case-back, indicates the watch has received a great deal of care and very little use.

The straight lugs are also notable as they are beautiful in design. They are very nicely swept-back, raising the watch a little making it sit higher on the wrist. Inside the case-back is the early Rolex ‘scroll’ signature indicating this is a Rolex Swiss made case from circa 1949. The case also carries the Rolex model reference numbers 4325 and 211.

The watch case is very clean and ‘distinct’ indicating only light polishing. The watch shows only the slightest signs of wear and no signs of anything other than very light, careful and limited use. The case carries no scratches, dings or any other damage visible to the naked eye.

As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap and Buckle

The strap fitted is a new, nicely matched high quality black Crocodile strap with a Rolex pink gold plated buckle. However, if a different style or 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 burgundy and black 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 all correct dating the watch to circa 1949. 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, along with 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 a vintage Rolex presentation box, as shown in the photographs.

In Conclusion

A highly collectable vintage gold watch from horology’s most famous name which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as be something to treasure and enjoy!

This is a truly top class and rare example of a 1940s oversize vintage Rolex Precision, with the Metropolitan case and bezel which is in outstanding condition. The watch is ready to wear and totally practical for everyday use should you wish. 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 0207 727 7095  or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

Please note, we also 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.

Thank you.