Rolex Precision 9K 1951 Thunderbird, Oversize – Sorry Now Sold 15th Nov ’16

Description

Here we have the most beautifully restored, 9ct vintage Rolex Precision ‘Oversize’ gentleman’s dress watch, with the ‘Metropolitan’ case, from c1951. 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. Very rarely, Rolex produced 35mm models such as the example we see here. These are highly sought after watches because the seemingly small difference in size does add significantly to the ‘presence’ and value of the watch. The watch case here, is in fact an absolute delight. The metropolitan case and bezel is rarely seen, especially on the Rolex Precision and especially in this condition! The swept back lugs are a delight as is the beautifully rounded case-back, which carries the early 50’s Rolex crown.

The amazing art-deco dial with applied gold lll – Vl – lX Roman numerals also significantly increases the rarity of this watch and significantly increases the value especially when presented in such excellent condition as we see here.

The Dial

Large Rolex Precision dials with a subsidiary seconds dials at 6 o’clock are always something special but here, the wonderful art-deco, slightly off-white white dial with applied gold 3 – 6 – 9 Roman numerals simply elevates this watch to another level. The most elegant thin baton indices with matching Roman Numerals are just pure style, classic, timeless and a perfect example of  how vintage beats modern hands down every time! The original early 1950s ‘Leaf’ hands, completes the unmistakable early ’50s look and charm of this watch. This is the original dial which has been sympathetically restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers, which are considered to be the best in the UK, making this is as fine an example as you are ever likely to see.

The Movement

This is the original high grade Rolex Calibre 710, 17 Jewels Super Balance movement, which as can be seen in the photographs, is in sparkling condition. The movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using original Rolex parts where required by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. When tested and calibrated on 5th November immediately following its restoration, this watch was running to within 6 seconds per day, which is outstanding for a vintage watch of this age! The movement is all correctly signed ‘ROLEX PRECISION’, ‘SWISS MADE’, and ‘17 RUBIES’ with the Calibre number 710. 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 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 month warranty on this watch movement*.

The Case

The most elegant 9ct gold case measures 35mm in diameter, not including the Rolex crown making this one of the rare ‘Oversized’ Rolex Precisions. The case also has three notable features, the most obvious of which is the Metropolitan case and milled bezel, rarely found on a Rolex Precision. Here it is very elegantly designed and is quite thin and in amazingly good condition. It carries very fine radial grooves along with larger marks at each hour, accentuating the hours around the dial. Bezels are always prone to damage and particularly those with any kind of decoration. However, the bezel here really is in perfect condition which is very unusual to say the least! This, along with the immaculate case-back, indicates the watch has received a great deal of care and very little use.

The 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. Lastly the beautifully rounded case-back is also in amazing condition and just like the rest of the case, carries no scratches, dings or any other damage visible to the naked eye.

In keeping with other high quality Rolex Precisions of around this period, the case-back carries a light Rolex Crown inscription in line with the winding crown, on the case-back. This is the pretty, early Rolex Crown scroll which helps us to date the watch. Although more easily seen in  real life, this can just be seen in the photographs, although not very clear.

Inside the case-back is the early Rolex ‘scroll’ signature indicating this is a Rolex Swiss made case from circa 1951. The case also carries the reference numbers 207 and 4325 along with Swiss Geneva 9ct hallmarks which date this watch to 1951.

No matter how closely you might wish to examine the watch-case for wear and tear it shows no signs of anything other than very light, careful and limited use.

The Strap and Buckle

The strap fitted is a new well matched very high quality crocodile strap with  Rolex gold plated buckle. Please note 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 are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks all correct dating the watch to circa 1951.

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 and  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 presentation box as shown in the photographs.

In Conclusion

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

This is a truly top class example of a c1951 oversize vintage Rolex Precision, with the Metropolitan case and bezel in amazing condition. The watch is ready to wear and totally practical for everyday use. 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.

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 our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

*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 fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.