Rolex Precision Cal.1215 18ct 1957

Rolex

Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, the partnership 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 beautifully restored, oversized 18ct vintage Rolex Precision gentleman’s dress watch in immaculate condition from 1957. This watch is particularly rare due to being 18ct yellow gold as most Rolex Precisions were made with 9ct yellow gold. The slightly off-white dial with incredible ‘diamond’ hour indices and swept by restored ‘dauphine’ hands, make this a rare and sought after watch, particularly when found in such excellent condition.

The Dial

The slightly off-white dial with gold ‘diamond’ hour indices and the Rolex Coronet at 12 o’clock gives this dial a particularly elegant look. The dial is signed ‘Rolex’ with ‘Swiss Made’ at the bottom and is very clear and easy to read even in low light. This is a beautifully elegant dial in with original restored gilt ‘dauphine’ hands and needle centre seconds hand.

The lens has been replaced with a new original Rolex part and so it is fresh and scratch-free.

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

The Movement

The original, high grade Rolex Calibre 1215, 17 Jewels movement is in sparkling condition, as can be seen in the photographs. The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced which means it has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using original Rolex parts where required, by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. When tested and calibrated, this watch was running to within +6 seconds per day, which is outstanding for any vintage watch of this age. This is also among four or five of the most accurate watches we have tested this year. When fully wound, this movement has a 58-hour power reserve. The movement is all correctly signed ‘Montes Rolex SA Geneva Swiss’, and ‘17 Jewels’, with the Calibre number 1215.

These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable, making the watch perfectly appropriate for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing every 3 years, we would fully expect this watch to run very happily for many more decades to come. We are therefore more than pleased to offer a 12 month warranty on this watch movement* and regular servicing in the future.

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

The Watch Case

The 18ct yellow gold case is in tip-top condition and measures an oversized 35mm, excluding the original, correct Rolex signed crown. The case also features wonderful straight lugs.

The case has been professionally cleaned and carefully inspected, requiring only a very light hand-polishing to remove any tarnishing and bring it back to the current condition. There are no scratches, dings or other damage visible to the naked eye.

Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct for a Rolex watch case made by one of its three UK case-makers and signed ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland’ with 18ct hallmarks,  the model reference 9971 and the case serial number 356411. The case-back exterior is left neat and unmarked.

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

The Strap and Buckle

A new high quality brown alligator strap has been fitted, along with a 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 our full range of 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 1957.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this 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 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

A Rolex presentation box, as 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 collectable 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. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. 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 check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and unfortunately out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges, however attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those that happen to visit the UK on occasion we are of course more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and your watch directly to you there.

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.

If you have any questions, please call our landline 020 7727 7095 or mobile 07515 949 250. Or if calling from overseas our landline number is +44 207 727 7095 or mobile +44 7515 949 250.

We await your call! We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale. If you would like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting, we will also be very happy to hear from you.

Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches!

Thank you.