Rolex Precision 9ct 1951 Oversize 36mm, Original Unrestored Dial

£4,750

100% Genuine & All Original

Fully Inspected, Serviced & Guaranteed

A Very Well Cared For & Lightly Used Example

9ct Yellow Gold Oversize 36mm Case, Excluding the Rolex Crown

Wonderful, Original Unrestored  Dial with Original Gilt ‘Leaf’ Hands

High Grade Cal.710, 15 Jewel Hand-Wound Movement in Sparkling Condition

High Quality Crocodile Strap with Gold Plated Rolex Buckle

All In Absolutely Top Grade Condition From Every Aspect

Rolex Presentation Box Included, as Shown

VGWL Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee

VGWL 12 Months’ Written Warranty*

Free Worldwide FedEx Delivery

Free UK Special Delivery

Sold 26th June '20
VGW Reference: R906
Price £4,750

£4,750

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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

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.

Description

Here we have a wonderful, 9ct vintage Rolex Precision ‘Oversize’ gentleman’s dress watch in immaculate condition from 1951 with a superb original unrestored dial. Rolex Precisions were made in several sizes, starting at 30mm in diameter, not including the crown. The majority were 32 and 33mm with some 34mm and 35mm, but very rarely, Rolex or their UK case makers produced 36mm models such as the example we see here. These are highly sought after watches because the seemingly small difference in size is significant and adds to the ‘presence’ of the watch. The original unrestored dial has a wonderful even patina and a 1 – 12 numeral ivory cream dial, making this a rare and sought after watch, particularly when found in such excellent condition.

The Dial

This classic ivory cream dial is original, unrestored and untouched.  It is also in really excellent condition for its age, with even fading, pitting, staining, scratches, crazing or oxidisation. In fact, it has an amazingly even patina. Therefore, due to the excellent condition and to retain the character, originality and charm of the watch, we have left it completely alone, as some collectors prefer a dial such as this.

If however, you would prefer the dial sympathetically restoring, we will be happy to arrange this for you for a small extra charge. This will be 50% of our standard list price of £395.00 for dial restoration. However, this might be a shame, as the patina is exceptional for a watch of this age with an original dial. The patina is very even and the dial has changed, due to sunlight, from an ivory cream to a light fawn colour which looks so much better face to face under natural light, rather than in the photographs.

The original classic dial with raised gold 1 – 12 numerals is one of our most popular and sought after original 1950s dial designs. The original period ‘leaf’ hands and gilt centre seconds hand complete the unmistakable period look and charm of this watch. It is signed with the perennial Rolex ‘Coronet’ with ‘ROLEX’ below and ‘Shock Resisting’ in the bottom half of the dial, along with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom below the 6.

The lens is a new original part, fitted as part of the restoration.

Please note, even though our photographer has done excellent work, the dial, as is often the case, does look much better in real life.

The Movement

The original, high-grade Rolex Calibre 710, 15 Jewels Precision movement is in sparkling condition and working absolutely perfectly following a thorough overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker.

This involves completely dismantling the watch movement to each of its component parts, cleaning and close examination under high magnification, then replacement where necessary, with only original Rolex parts, before reassembly and oiling with the correct Rolex specified watch movement oils. Finally, very fine adjustment to achieve the highest level of accuracy possible. After final calibration, this watch is now running at + 9 seconds per day, which is outstanding for any watch of this age and has been confirmed by our electronic Timegrapher. The movement also has a 48 hour power reserve.

The watch is now ready for many more decades of faithful, reliable service and is perfectly suited for everyday use. The movement carries a 12 month warranty*

The movement is all correctly signed as expected ‘ ROLEX’, ‘SWISS MADE’, and ‘15 RUBIS’.

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

The Case

The solid 9ct yellow gold case measures 36mm in diameter, not including the button crown. This is therefore, an exceptionally large sized Rolex Precision which is referred to as ‘Oversize’. The case was made for Rolex by Dennison which was one of Rolex’ two UK case-makers. Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct and as expected. It is signed ‘Dennison, Made in England for Rolex’ along with A.L.D. and the Rolex model reference number 13874, in addition to a further reference number 414184. The case-back also carries Birmingham 9ct hallmarks which date this watch to 1951. The case, case-back and bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch case has been exceptionally well cared for and so the case has simply required a clean and gentle polish to bring it back to its current ‘like new’ condition.

Please note – our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap and Buckle

A new, good quality 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 straps 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 Hirsch range of 18mm straps if you wish here.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the numbers and markings on the movement, case and case-back are all correct, dating this 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 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 shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

A first class example of a highly collectable and highly practical vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy! It will make an excellent evening wear dress watch as well as a practical highly accurate and reliable timepiece to use on an everyday basis.

Vintage gold Rolex Precision watches are highly collected and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong. This watch will make an excellent investment and family heirloom piece and even though vintage Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we feel fine examples such as this still remain undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage watches expands, availability will become more limited so prices are surely destined to climb ever higher!

A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring these 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 inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are a number of well-known stores in West London which are very 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 wish to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or International Bank Wire Transfer, we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please note, we welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

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

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