Description
This is a classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual carrying a charming, restored slightly off-white dial with ‘baton’ hour indices and original ‘lance’ hands. This is Rolex model reference 1003 with the Calibre 1560 Chronometer automatic movement.
This is one of the earliest Rolex Oyster Perpetuals with the larger 35mm 9ct gold case. It carries the sought after plain bezel, which along with the rest of the case, is in wonderful condition.
This watch is superb throughout and is very much the classic Rolex timepiece – perfectly suited for all occasions.
The Dial
This classic late 1950s Rolex Oyster Perpetual dial is beautifully simple and elegant. Gold gilt ‘baton’ hour indices are matched by the original restored gold gilt ‘Dauphine’ hands. The design is beautifully balanced and perfectly symmetrical. In terms of purity and elegance, the absence of a date function is often referred to retain a dials perfect balance.
This is the original dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered the best in the UK.
The Movement
The watch carries its original very high grade ‘Superlative Chronometer’ Calibre 1560, 26 Jewel automatic movement which is in sparklingly clean condition. The movement has been fully overhauled which involves full dismantling, ultrasonic cleaning, microscope inspection and replacement of parts as required, only with new originals, then careful reassembly and oiling ready for final testing and careful calibration. The watch is now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at +7 seconds per day and is now ready for many more years of reliable service. This movement also has a 48 hour power reserve when fully wound.
The Case
The case measures 35mm in diameter, excluding the original Rolex Oyster screw-down crown. The case, case-back and bezel are all in superb condition with very few scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch case has seen only very light use and has been very well cared for so following close inspection and cleaning, the case has simply required a gentle hand-polish to bring the watch to almost new condition once again. The outside of the case-back has never been engraved and importantly, it is of its original thickness.
Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct for a Rolex Geneva Swiss made case. It is signed ‘MONTRES ROLEX S.A GENEVA SWITZERLAND’ with the correct Swiss Geneva 9ct gold hallmarks and the model number 1003. The model number can also be clearly found on the outside of the case between the lugs at 12 o’clock. The case serial number 640553, which is very clear, is found on the outside of the case between the lugs at 6 o’clock and dates the watch to 1957.
The Strap & Buckle
This watch has a new brown lizard strap fitted, in almost unused condition and this watch has also been fitted with a matching gold-plated Rolex buckle.
The Box and Papers
Genuine original documents with a watch of this age are very rare and although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1957.
The matching Rolex presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.
In Conclusion
This is a truly first class example of a 1950s vintage RolexOyster Perpetual which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece and even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel good examples such as this are still undervalued. 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 truly rare and 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!