Rolex Precision Cal.1200 9ct Pink Gold 1956 – Original Dial

Rolex

Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, the partnership soon 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

A simply wonderful early Rolex Precision gentleman’s dress watch. A stunning watch in every regard with a beautiful original unrestored dial, wonderful movement and an exceptional Rolex Swiss made 9ct pink gold case. The dial is particularly unusual and attractive, characterised by a wonderful mix of pink ‘pencil’ hour indices on an ivory-cream dial.

This is a very clean and well cared for example which has undergone some very light and sympathetic restoration to bring it back to the almost new condition you see here. The watch also carries a high-grade Cal.1200 hand-wound movement, which is in spectacular condition.

The Dial

A very rare and totally original unrestored ivory-white dial in superb condition, considering the age of this watch. Rolex has elected to use ‘pencil’ hour indices matching with ‘lance’ hands. These contrast beautifully with the pink gold watch case, a combination which we think is hard to beat.

The overall look is one of classic simplicity and is typical of the period.  Beautifully balanced and symmetrical and complimented with a subsidiary seconds dial at ‘6’.

The dial is correctly signed and branded with the early Rolex Coronet, along with ‘Rolex’ and ‘Precision’ and the lens has been replaced by a new, original Rolex part.

As this dial is in original, unrestored condition, this has been left untouched by our restoration team due to its superb condition. Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however, we decided in this case, due to its unusually good condition, to retain its originality and charm for those who prefer this. It also helps to contrast with almost all of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored. However, if you particularly like this watch and you would prefer to have the dial restored, please contact us to enquire as this can be arranged at cost price.

The Case

Pink gold Rolex Precisons are particularly rare and worth a significant premium over the more usual 9ct models. Here, the professionally polished solid 9ct pink gold case is in excellent condition, having been very well cared for, and shows only the faintest signs of wear visible to the naked eye. The press-fit bezel clicks into place very satisfyingly and the case-back has never been inscribed. The case measures 32.5mm in diameter, excluding the crown and 39mm, including the lugs. This was classed as a typical gent’s sized watch in the mid-1950s.

The inside of the case-back carries the Rolex Coronet signature and the Rolex reference 1569. The case also carries Edinburgh 9ct hallmarks which date the watch to 1956.

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

The Movement

The high-grade Cal.1200 manual wind movement is incredibly clean and also in incredibly good condition. It has just been overhauled and serviced by our expert watchmaker and is running perfectly. These movements are very highly regarded for their accuracy and reliability and this movement has been calibrated to run arrow straight within +8 seconds per day! This is no exaggeration – we have checked the test results on our electronic watch timer. This movement also has a really excellent 45-hour power reserve when fully wound.

The movement is signed ‘Montres Rolex SA’, ‘Geneva Swiss’ and ’17 Jewels’ with the reference number N57473 and the calibre number 1200.

This particular movement is in superb condition and with regular servicing, say every 2-3 years, we would fully expect this watch to run quite happily for many more decades to come. We are therefore very confident in offering this watch with a 12-month written warranty*.

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

Strap and Buckle

A new high quality Burgundy Lizard strap is fitted with pink gold-plated Rolex buckle. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, we will do our best to provide this at no extra charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown burgundy and black straps in stock, in plain padded leather, alligator, or lizard skin.

Box and Papers

Although there is no original paperwork with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to 1956.

A detailed Particulars document 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 Rolex presentation box shown in the photographs is included with this watch.

In Conclusion

We love to find and make available vintage gold Rolex watches of this quality and condition! This is a superb, highly collectable and usable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy! It will make an excellent evening wear dress watch as well as a practical, highly accurate and reliable time-piece to use on an everyday basis.

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 us on Landline 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.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.