Rolex Precision Cal.700, 9ct, 34mm, 1948 – Art Deco

Rolex

Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, the company 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 simply stunning 9ct Rolex Precision from 1948 with wonderful art deco sculpted lugs and art deco dial. This model is known by the Rolex reference number 4636, as shown on the inside of the case-back. This is an exceedingly rare model, as we have only seen one other example in the past 10 years.

Rolex Precisions were produced in several sizes in the 1940s, starting at 30mm in diameter, not including the crown. The majority were 32 and 33mm with some 34mm. A few were made in larger sizes such as the considerably rarer, 34.5mm diameter example we see here. This makes this quite a large watch for the period. These watches are much more sought after because the seemingly small difference in diameter adds significantly to the ‘presence’ of the watch on the wrist and also the value.

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 serviced the movement and coordinated the rest of the restoration of the watch while our Dial Restorer has very sympathetically restored the dial and our Case-Maker has inspected and carefully restored and lightly hand-polished the watch case.

The Dial

The highly distinctive silvery grey dial utilises sunken standard Arabic 3 – 6 – 9 – 12 numerals, interspersed with ‘arrowhead’ hour indices, in yellow gilt with black outlines. The dial carries its original lightly restored ‘leaf’ hands which are in excellent condition considering their age.

The classical dial design, along with the case, carries distinct art deco influences of the period and is very much of its time. Again, this is another 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 extra charm and sophistication to the overall look of the dial and watch.  The dial carries the Rolex Coronet at 12 and is signed below in the much smaller, early Rolex Precision script, along with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom of the dial.

Note – the hands are original and partially restored. These have been kept rather than replaced, to retain their originality and character. We use a very high definition camera and macro lens which picks up every detail – much more so than the naked eye. Our camera images while completely honest, can be a little unflattering, whereas in real life, any flaws you may notice on the hands are almost impossible to see face to face. That is unless one has 20:20 vision and holds the watch six inches from one’s eye. In fact if noticed at all, the overall effect is quite charming. However, if you would prefer to buy this watch with a new correct set of replacement hands fitted, we will be pleased to arrange this free of charge.

An original new lens has been fitted as part of the restoration.

This is the original dial which has been beautifully and 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 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 Rubies’, ‘Patented Superbalance’ and ‘Swiss’, along with the movement reference number 65826.

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 +6 seconds per day! These test results are outstanding and 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 9ct yellow gold case measures 34.5mm in diameter, excluding the correct Rolex crown. This makes this very large Rolex Precision for the period.  The case is also beautifully slim, at 8.5mm, including the lens and nicely rounded earlier style case-back.

However, the case’s most notable feature are the art deco lugs, which are a rarity on a Rolex Precision. These are beautifully sculpted and significantly add to the presence of the watch. These are very nicely swept-back, raising the watch a little and making it sit a little higher on the wrist.

Inside the case-back is all correct and as expected: signed with the early Rolex ‘scroll’ signature indicating this is a Rolex Swiss made case from circa 1948. The case also carries Swiss 9ct hallmarks along with the reference number 538205. The case also carries the Rolex model reference numbers 4636 and 221.

The watch case is very clean and ‘distinct’ and has required only very gentle, light hand-polishing to bring it back to the excellent condition you see here. The case still carries a faint but clearly visible Rolex Coronet band on the outside of the case-back, next to the crown. This indicates the watch case has never been overpolished and has seen little 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 brown Crocodile strap with a Rolex 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 1948.

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 an Art Deco Dial and case, 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.