Rolex Super Oyster Perpetual 14K 1953 Bubbleback ‘Pre-Explorer’ Dial

Description

Here we have just the most beautiful Gents Rolex Super Oyster Perpetual Semi-BubbleBack dress watch in 14ct solid yellow gold from 1953. This is Model No. 6084 with its original Cal.645 movement. The watch has a wonderful Pearl White dial which has been beautifully restored, as have the original Dauphine hands. The absence of a date function contributes to the perfect balance of this dial, crowned of course with the perennial Rolex Coronet at 12 o’clock.

This watch has the rare original Super Oyster winding crown. During 1953 Rolex briefly introduced the ‘Super Oyster’ crown seen here which uses additional rubber seals to negate the need to be screwed down to stay waterproof and dust proof.

The Dial

Brimming with ‘50s charm, this is a classic Pearl White dial with applied gilt spear and arrowhead hour indices with the Rolex ‘Coronet’ at 12. This dial has come to be known as the ‘Explorer’ dial, following the first ascent of Everest by the British Expedition in 1953. Many of the climbers in the expedition were issued with a watch which looked just like the watch we see here. This was, in fact, a prototype of what later became the Rolex Explorer which was produced for around 20 years and was then relaunched in 2016. If you care to read more about this, there is an excellent article: here, which shows the pre-Explorer in the 4th photograph.

The dial has been restored beautifully as have the wonderful gilt ‘Dauphine’ style hands and gold ‘needle’ centre seconds hand and each are immaculate. The dial also has an outer seconds track which is subdivided into fifths of a second which gives the dial a slight technical look which implies precision. This works very well with the radial effect of the spear and arrowhead indices pointing towards the centre of the dial, almost like points of the compass.

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

The Watch Case

The original 14ct solid yellow gold case measures 34mm, not including the Rolex Super Oyster winding crown. The case has the highly sought after smooth bezel, which along with the main case body and case back, is in immaculate condition.

The case has been carefully inspected and very lightly restored by some sympathetic gentle cleaning and hand polishing and is in immaculate condition with no scratches, dings or similar marks visible to the naked eye. The screw-down case back, importantly, is highly polished and is full thickness, having never been inscribed. Equally importantly, the case has also not been over polished, as many gold watches of this age have been.

This watch still has its original Super Oyster (non-screw down) crown. This is rare, partly because these were only produced for only around two years between ’51 and ’53,  also many of these were later converted to screw-down Oyster crowns.

Inside the screw-down case back, all is signed correctly and just as expected. The markings are headed by the beautifully elaborate earlier Rolex scroll insignia with ROLEX, GENEVA, SWISS, along with Swiss Geneva 14ct Hallmarks and the Rolex Model Reference No. 6084.

Externally the case carries the clear Rolex case serial number 853653, which proves the watch was manufactured by Rolex in 1953. This can be found between the lugs at 6 o’clock. Between the lugs at 12 o’clock, the Model Ref. No 6084 is found, in addition to on the inside of the case back.

Please note, as part of the restoration we have replaced the rubber seals on this case, including the case back (just visible) and the winding crown/stem (not visible). Although the watch was specified as waterproof when new, this has not been tested and this is not guaranteed. Here our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Movement

The watch carries its original high grade ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’ Cal. 645, 17 Jewel automatic movement which as can be seen, is in spectacularly clean condition. Being ‘Chronometer’ rated indicates the movement is very accurate and very reliable.

As part of the restoration of the watch, 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 tested on 1st August ‘17, the watch was calibrated and running consistently within +15 seconds per day, which is exceptional for any vintage watch of this age. This movement has a 41-hour power reserve. It is signed ‘Rolex Perpetual Chronometer’ with the movement reference number 76914 and the certified chronometer reference F70427. 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 to 3 years, we would fully expect this watch to run happily for many more decades to come! We are therefore very confident in offering this watch with a 12 month warranty*.

*Please note, our 12-month warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Strap & Buckle

A new high quality Brown Crocodile strap has been fitted, along with a matching 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 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 their huge range of 19mm straps if you wish here.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1953. Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months Warranty*.  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 totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

The matching Rolex Oyster inner and outer presentation boxes as shown in the photographs will be included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is a truly first class example of a 1953 vintage Rolex Super Oyster Perpetual which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use and if treated with care, it 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.

To summarise, this is a highly collectable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which is ready to wear, use, treasure and enjoy. It will provide excellent reliability and a sound financial investment, as long-lasting as the watch itself!

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 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. 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.