Description
Here we have the most elegant 9ct Rolex Precision dress watch from 1955 with the classic Rolex ‘coronet’ and silver-white dial.
Note – This is a small to mid-size gents watch for the period at 31mm diameter, not including the crown. However, this is perhaps more suitable as a ladies’ watch today given the modern fashion for much larger gents watches.
The high grade Cal.710, 15 Jewels movement has been fully overhauled and serviced and is running strongly and accurately. This 1955 watch was made shortly after the introduction of the new Rolex Shock-Resisting movement, hence the promotion on the dial.
To finish the watch we have added a new, high-quality black lizard strap. Please note, as, with all our watches, this can be changed for your alternate choice at no extra charge.
The Dial
This is the classic gold over silver-white early 1950′s dial with ‘Pencil’ hour indices and the Rolex ‘Coronet’ at 12 o’clock. The dial is simply signed ‘ROLEX’ and ‘Shock-Resisting’.
The dial is very clear and easy to read in low light and is complete with original restored gilt ‘leaf’ hands and a blued steel seconds hand, both of which look simply fabulous. The lens has been replaced with a new original Rolex part as part of the restoration, so it is fresh and scratch-free.
This is the original dial, restored to the very highest standard by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the U.K.
The Case
The most obvious feature of this watch is its fancy ornate lugs which are unique to this model. The case measures just over 31mm in diameter, excluding the Rolex crown and 38mm, including the lugs. The case was made in England by Dennison for Rolex. Dennison & Sons of Birmingham were one of three English case-makers used by Rolex, the others being Shackman & Sons of London and Britton & Sons of Birmingham U.K. The inside of the case-back is signed A.L.D. for Dennison and Made in England for Rolex with the Dennison case reference numbers 12857, the case number 699897 and Birmingham U.K 9ct hallmarks, dating the watch to 1955.
The professionally polished solid 9ct gold case is in excellent condition and has only minimal signs of wear. The press fit flat case-back clicks into place very satisfyingly and has never been inscribed.
As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Movement
The original, high-grade Cal.710 Rolex signed, hand-wound movement is in spectacularly good condition being completely untarnished and obviously well cared for. This movement has just been serviced by our Master Watchmaker and therefore winds, sets and runs beautifully. It is twice signed ‘ROLEX’ and ‘SWISS MADE’ and carries the Calibre number 710 and the reference number 49490. These movements are very accurate, strong and reliable and seem to last forever! It is keeping excellent time and with regular servicing, say every 3 to 4 years we would fully expect this movement to run reliably for many years to come!
The Strap & Buckle
A new high quality, new black lizard strap is fitted to the watch with a gold plated Rolex buckle.
Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating the watch to to 1955.