Description

The watch we see here is an absolutely delightful example of a 1965 ladies Rolex Precision dress or cocktail watch in 9ct yellow gold, with its original 9ct gold Rolex bracelet currently tailored to fit a wrist size of 16.5cm to 17cm.

These were expensive watches when new because it was much more difficult to produce these smaller movements to the high levels of accuracy and reliability, in line with the larger gents Rolex Precision movements.

The condition of the bracelet, watch case, original dial and movement are excellent, indicating this watch has only ever seen very occasional and careful use.

This is the perfect dress or cocktail watch, for either evening wear or regular daily use, as you so please.

The Dial

The silver-white dial with 2 – 4 – 6 – 8 – 10  applied numerals is in remarkable original condition, considering its age. The dial is complete with its original Rolex ‘Alpha’ style hands which are also in A1 original condition. Both the dial and hands are untouched and unrestored. Normally we restore the dials of all our watches but here the dial is in such good original condition, we decided to retain its charm and felt restoration unnecessary.

Please note: This is a small watch and we use a very high definition camera with a high magnification macro lens to provide you with the best images possible. While this the most honest policy, this can be a little cruel in exposing every tiny flaw on a vintage watch which the naked eye would not normally notice.  In truth, you would not see these on your wrist unless you held the watch very close to your eye and you have 20:20 vision!

Although this is quite a small watch in comparison with most others, the dial, gilt hands, and gilt hour indices make the dial easy to read, even at arm’s length.

The Case

The 9ct yellow gold case measures 15mm across, excluding the correct Rolex unsigned crown. Please note, the size of the winding crown may look slightly large in certain photographs. This is because the watch is small in comparison and the crown needs to be of adequate size in order to wind it. However please be assured, it is the correct original Rolex crown for this watch.

The case was made in the UK for Rolex by the high-quality case makers D Shackman & Son. Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct and as expected, signed DS&S with London UK 9ct gold hallmarks and the reference number 25451. The hallmarks date this watch to 1965. The case is of a very solid two-piece design with an integral bezel which was designed to improve water and dust resistance. The press-fit case-back clicks into place with a firm and satisfying ‘pop’, indicating it is a nice tight fit. The case-back is of full thickness and has never been inscribed.

This watch has been exceptionally well cared for and so the case has simply required a clean, thorough inspection, and then a gentle hand-polish to bring it back to its current ‘like new’ condition with no scratches, dings or dimples, or other forms of damage visible to the naked eye.

Please note – our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Movement

The high-grade Calibre 250, 15 Jewel, hand-wound movement is in incredibly clean and sparkling condition and has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our expert vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker.

Rolex went to considerable lengths and expense to ensure its smaller series movements perform equally as well as its larger gents Precision movements. These are high precision movements and the example here is running perfectly, having been calibrated to run consistently within plus or minus 14 seconds per day! This is excellent for any small mechanical watch and is no exaggeration – we have checked and confirmed the test results on our electronic watch timegrapher. This movement also has an excellent power reserve of 44 hours when fully wound.

The Bracelet

The original, integral, full-sized Rolex signed bracelet is also in matching solid 9ct yellow gold. This is quite a heavy bracelet, in immaculate condition, showing no signs of wear or damage visible to the naked eye.

The bracelet remains at its original standard 16cm length, which means the watch and bracelet are a perfect fit for a lady with a wrist size/circumference of 16 centimetres. The Rolex signed clasp and lock provide an adjustment of 0.5 centimetres either way, meaning the watch will fit a wrist size 16.5cm – 17cm or 6.5 inches to 6.75 inches. The bracelet could be tailored to make it smaller quite easily, by our jewellers. However, making it longer will be a little more difficult and incur some extra cost.

The bracelet is, as expected, superbly made and quite weighty and substantial. It is also in wonderful condition. While the links do not stretch, they are just flexible enough to hug the wrist beautifully with no gaps or unevenness in any of the links.

The original Rolex signed clasp is also superbly designed and substantial, with a secure second catch which effectively locks the bracelet on the wrist. This means it is impossible for the clasp to become accidentally undone and for the watch to become loose on the wrist. Please call or message us to discuss this, if you have any queries about the bracelet or any other aspect of the watch.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating it to 1965.

The Rolex green felt purse as shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

One of the nicest ladies Rolex dress / cocktail watches we have seen, from horology’s most famous name. This will provide an excellent financial investment as well as be something to treasure and enjoy! It will make the perfect gift as well as a practical, accurate and reliable timepiece to use for evening wear, on a regular basis, as you so wish.