Rolex Precision 9ct 1960 33mm

Description

A rare Rolex Precision gentleman’s dress watch with a subsidiary seconds dial, in 9ct gold from 1960 with Bombe lugs. This watch is in the standard i.e. typical size for its day of 33mm, excluding the signed Rolex winding crown. It is in immaculate condition having been fully restored by our watch restoration team.

The Dial

The silver-white dial is furnished with beautiful gilt Spearhead hour indices, matched by the original restored Lance hands. The Rolex Coronet tops the dial at 12, with the applied Rolex brand below.  This is the most classic of Rolex Precision dials of this period, although it is especially rare to find with the subsidiary seconds dial at 6. It is all correctly signed ‘Precision’ and with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom of the dial.

Depending on the ambient light, the dial slightly changes from a grey-white to silver, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs. A correct new replacement lens has been fitted as part of the restoration.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Movement

The watch carries its original high-grade Rolex Calibre 1200, 17 Jewels Super Balance movement, which as can be seen in the photographs, is in beautiful condition. The movement has just completed a full overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker, which means it has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected under high magnification and then rebuilt using original Rolex parts where required. After final testing and calibration immediately following its restoration, this watch was running to within +8 seconds per day, which is outstanding for any vintage watch of this age. This movement also has an excellent power reserve of 58 hours when fully wound.

The movement is all correctly signed ‘Montres Rolex SA’ ‘Geneve Swiss’ and ‘17 Jewels’, with the Calibre number 1200 and the movement serial number 52664. These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable making the watch appropriate for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing, every 3-4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run very happily for many more decades to come! We are therefore highly confident in offering this watch with our 12 months’ warranty.

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

The Case

The 9ct yellow gold case measures 33mm in diameter, excluding the original signed Rolex crown. This watch case has been exceptionally well cared for and so after careful inspection, the case has simply required a clean and gentle polish to bring it back to its current ‘like new’ condition.

This is a very rare example of a Rolex Precision with Bombe sculpted lugs. This style of lug is sometimes found on 1950s Rolex Oyster Perpetual, but this is the first time we have seen a Rolex Precision with this design. And as the Rolex Precision is our best selling watch model, we have seen a lot of Rolex Precisions!

The case-back is of full thickness and has never been engraved. It is tight fitting and presses back with a solid and reassuring click. Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct and signed ‘Dennison made for Rolex’. Dennison is regarded as one of the finest quality gold case-makers of its time and is a company who made cases for Rolex, Omega, Zenith and many other Swiss watch manufacturers during this time. The case-back also carries Birmingham UK 9ct hallmarks which date this watch to 1960, along with the case reference numbers 13345 and 76741.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A new, high-quality black 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 18mm straps if you wish here.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating this watch to 1960. A detailed written receipt with 12 months’ warranty* and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of the watch, will 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

This is a truly first-class example of an early 1960s 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 highly collectable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which is ready to wear, use, treasure and enjoy, providing excellent reliability and a sound financial investment – as long-lasting as the timepiece 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 on our Landline 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

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.

Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine Vintage Gold Watches!