£3,450
100% Genuine & All Original
Fully Restored, Serviced & Guaranteed
A Carefully Owned and Lightly Used Example
Beautifully Restored White Dial & ‘Lance’ Hands
Large Sized 34mm Diameter ‘Coin Edge’ 9ct Case
High Grade Cal.1210, 17 Jewels Hand-Wound Movement
D.S.&S, 9ct Hallmarked ‘Coin Edge’ Solid Yellow Gold Case
New, High Quality Brown Lizard Strap & Rolex Gold Plated Buckle
A Beautiful, Very Lightly Used Immaculate Example
VGWL 12 Months’ Written Warranty Included*
VGWL Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee
Rolex Presentation Box Included
Free Worldwide FedEx Delivery
Free UK Special Delivery
ADD TO FAVOURITES
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 and moved 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.
During the 1930s and ’40s, Rolex also became quite masterful at courting tremendous publicity and excitement through literally being ‘on hand’ during numerous record-breaking events. These were, for example, swimming the English Channel (1927), breaking the world automobile speed record (300mph, 1935), breaking the sound barrier (1947) and climbing Everest for the first time in 1953. No matter how well orchestrated these events came to be, we have to admire Rolex for becoming masters of self-promotion and capitalising on every opportunity with simultaneous worldwide marketing campaigns.
Description
Here we have a superb, fully restored gentleman’s 9ct vintage Rolex Precision ‘Coin Edge’ dress watch from 1956. This makes this one of the earlier ‘Coin Edge’ Precisions with wonderful original ‘Lance’ hands. The 34mm ‘Coin Edge’ case and elegant white 1 – 12 dial make this is a highly sought after watch, especially when found in such excellent condition.
The Dial
The wonderful original white dial carries raised gilt 1 – 12 numerals, which along with the ‘technical’ look of the outer minutes and seconds register, makes this one of the most popular Rolex Precision dials. The original restored ‘Lance’ hands, with the black centre seconds hand, are beautifully simple and elegant, completing this dial perfectly. This dial and the early date of this watch elevate it considerably above later 1950s and early ‘60s examples.
This is the original dial which has been restored to the very 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 1210 Precision movement, which as can be seen, is in sparkling clean condition. The movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using original Rolex parts, only where required, by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. His work is superb and when finally tested and calibrated, the watch was running consistently at +3 seconds per day, which is truly exceptional for any vintage watch of this age. The movement is all correctly signed ‘MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA’, ‘SWISS’, and ‘SEVENTEEN 17 JEWELS’, with the calibre number 1210 and the reference number N00306. These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable, making the watch perfectly suited for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in A1 condition and with regular servicing every 2-3 years, we would fully expect this watch to run happily for many more decades to come! We are pleased to offer a 12 month warranty on this watch movement*.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only included if the list price is paid.
The Case
The original watch case here is of particularly high quality, having been made for Rolex by David Shackman & Sons, of Chesham, Bucks, UK. Shackman were very high quality case-makers and one of two English case-makers used by Rolex, the other being Dennison & Co. of Birmingham. The case is of a three-piece construction with a press fit case-back which fits and clicks back with a reassuring click.
The ‘Coin Edge’ case and the case-back and bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch has been beautifully well cared for and so after a close inspection has simply required a careful clean and gentle polish to bring it back to its current almost as new condition.
The outside of the early type, rounded case-back is unmarked and polished and has never been engraved. The case measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the correct fitted Rolex crown. This is therefore classed as a large-sized Rolex Precision by standards of the day. Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct for a Rolex watch case made by one its two UK case-makers and signed ‘D.S.&S’ (David Shackman & Sons Ltd) along with the reference number 01413. The case-back also carries London UK 9ct hallmarks which date this watch to 1956.
Our standard advice applies: vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap and Buckle
The strap fitted is a new very high quality dark brown Lizard strap with a Rolex gold plated 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 and in plain padded leather, or crocodile skin or lizard skin.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, all the numbers and markings on the watch are correct, dating the watch to 1956.
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 will be included in the sale.
In Conclusion
This is a truly first class example of an early vintage Rolex Precision ‘Coin Edge’ which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, this will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece. Even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel good examples such as this are still undervalued and as each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.
This is a highly collectable vintage gold watch from horology’s most famous name which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy!
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 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.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
