Rolex Precision Metropolitan 18ct 1954 35.5mm Oversize

£4,800

100% Genuine & All Original

Fully Restored, Serviced & Guaranteed

A Beautiful Well Cared For & Used Immaculate Example

Oversize 35.5mm Rolex ‘Metropolitan’ Case With Milled Bezel

Immaculate High Grade Cal.1210, 18 Jewels, Super Balance Movement

Beautifully Restored Ivory Cream Dial with Original Restored Dauphine Hands

All in Absolutely Top Grade & Simply Stunning, Freshly Restored Condition

New Black Crocodile Strap with Original Rolex Gold Plated Buckle

VGWL Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee

VGWL 12 Months’ Written Warranty Included*

Rolex Precision Presentation Box Included

Free UK Next Day Delivery!

Free Overseas FedEx Delivery

Sold 24th Jan '19
VGW Reference: R741
Price £4,800

£4,800

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Highly Recommend
The service from Vintage Gold Watches was as per usual Fantastic, the watch arrived when expected and was extremely well packaged as usual. The watch was even nicer than the photos and went straight onto my wrist. Another fantastic acquisition for my growing collection. VGW is the first and so f
Andrew S via Feefo 29/1/2024
Verified Buyer
I have no hesitation in recommending.
From start to finish the service I have received has been excellent. Kirsty has kept me informed all the way and the level of the finished repair to a very old and worn vintage watch was exemplary.
Bryn H via Google Review 23/2/2024
Verified Buyer
Even better in real life
My watch has just arrived and it looks even better in real life! Just wanted to say a massive thank you to John and everyone there for the help you gave me in securing my dream watch. Cannot recommend your company highly enough. Thank you so much. Mike
Mike G via email 29/11/2023
Verified Buyer
New Vacheron
The watch arrived safely together with all its paperwork and looks lovely both on and off the wrist. It is very beautiful and understated. So a definite “yes” from all of us. Happy Christmas to you all Very best wishes Stephen
Stephen R via Email 6/12/2023
Verified Buyer
ABOUT THIS WATCH

Description

Here we have a circa 1954 Rolex Precision in a beautiful 18ct Swiss made Oversize Metropolitan case with a milled bezel, sometimes referred to as the ‘Thunderbird’ bezel. This model is known by Rolex reference 8952, as shown on the inside of the case-back.

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, but very rarely, Rolex or their UK case-makers produced models of 35.5mm and above, such as the example we see here. These Oversized watches are highly sought after because the seemingly small difference in diameter, adds significantly to the ‘presence’ and value of the watch. This Larger Rolex Precision with Metropolitan case and straight lugs, lend the watch something of a Patek Phillipe Calatrava look.

This watch also contains the special and much rarer 18 jewel chronometer version of the Calibre 1210 Rolex Precision movement, although here Rolex has not classed it as a Chronometer movement, presumably because it was one of a batch not submitted for independent chronometer testing at the Bureaux Officiels De Contrôle de la Marche des Montres, (B.O.s), on behalf of the Neuchâtel and Geneva Observatories.

This watch has just completed a full restoration by ourselves, including the movement, the watch dial and watch-case. These are three separate sets of skills, so our Watchmaker has restored and serviced the movement, our Dial Restorer has very sympathetically restored the dial and our Case-Maker has inspected and carefully restored the watch case.

The Dial

The overall impression of the Ivory Cream dial with applied gilt arrowhead hour indices, matched with the original restored Dauphine hands, is very pure and simple. The classic, timeless elegance here is again, a perfect example of how vintage beats modern, hands down every time! The dial is correctly signed: Rolex, Precision, with Swiss at the very bottom of the dial and the correct, applied Rolex Coronet brand at 12.

This is the original dial which has been beautifully and sympathetically restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers, 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 18 Jewel version of the Calibre 1210 Rolex Precision movement, which was used in Rolex Chronometer rated Precisions of the same period. This was timed and calibrated in 5 positions and at different temperatures by Rolex, making it one of the most highly accurate and reliable watches of its day.

As with all our watches, this is the original movement which has been completely overhauled and restored by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This involves complete disassembly, careful examination under high magnification of each the component parts and replacement where necessary only with Rolex originals. Then reassembly and adjustment to Rolex specification before testing and careful calibration in five positions. As can be seen, this movement is in spectacular condition having had the benefit of proper care and maintenance and light use.

The movement is all correctly signed Montres Rolex SA Geneva Swiss, 18 Jewels, Timed in 5 Positions and Temperature, along with the Calibre No.1210, and the Movement Serial Number N61666N.

The movement winds, runs & sets smoothly and is in superb working order and keeping excellent time: This watch has been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker and is calibrated to run arrow straight within + 5 seconds per day! These test results were confirmed by our electronic watch test Timegrapher instrument. We are therefore more than happy to offer our 12 months’ warranty on the movement of this watch*.

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

The Case

The most elegant 18ct solid yellow gold case measures 35.5mm in diameter, excluding the Rolex crown, making this one of the rare ‘Oversized’ Rolex Precisions. The case is beautifully designed with a slimline rounded case- back, but it is most notable for its Metropolitan case and milled bezel, which is a rarity on Rolex Precisions. This carries very fine radial grooves around the bezel with larger markings at each hour. These complement the hour indices around the dial and accentuate the size of the dial. Bezels are always prone to damage and particularly those with any kind of decoration, however, the bezel here really is in excellent condition and not overly polished which is very unusual. This, along with a nicely polished case-back, indicates the watch has received a great deal of care and very little use. The case carries no scratches, dings or any other damage visible to the naked eye.

The straight 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. Inside the case-back is the early Rolex ‘scroll’ signature indicating this is a Rolex Swiss made case from circa 1950. The case also carries the reference numbers 900 and 8952, along with Swiss Geneva 18ct hallmarks.

The watch case is very clean and ‘distinct’ indicating only light polishing. The watch shows only the slightest signs of wear and no signs of anything other than very light, careful and limited use.

As ever, 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 nicely matched high quality Brown Crocodile strap with a Rolex gold plated buckle. However, 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 no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks all correct dating the watch to circa 1954. 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, along with 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 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!

This is a truly top class and rare example of a 1950s oversize vintage Rolex Precision, with the Metropolitan case and bezel which is in outstanding condition. The watch is ready to wear and totally practical for everyday use should you wish. 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.

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 on our 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 also 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.

Thank you.

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