Description

A highly elegant Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer in 18ct yellow gold from 1959. This is Rolex model reference 6564, with the Rolex Calibre 1030, 25 Jewel Chronometer grade movement which is superbly accurate and reliable even by current day standards. The movement has been overhauled and serviced and is in sparkling condition.

The rare and notable feature of the watch is its Quilted dial. Of the hundreds of 1950s and 1960s Rolex Oyster Perpetual we have sold over the years, this is only the second example we have seen. The dial also has the classic facetted Pencil hour indices and original Dauphine hands which are so redolent of the 1950s.

At 34mm diameter, excluding the crown, this is quite a good-sized watch by 1950s standards. This watch case also has the more understated and much sought after plain bezel and the excellent Rolex Cal.1030 movement which is in sparkling condition.

The Dial

As mentioned above this watch carries the rare and collectable Quilted dial sometimes referred to as a Waffle dial. If this appeals to your eye, please don’t miss this example as we are unlikely to find another for a long time.

The ivory-cream dial contrasts beautifully with the yellow gold watch case, gilt ‘pencil’ hour indices, and ‘dauphine’ hands, providing pure and simple perfection.

The dial is all correctly signed ‘Rolex Oyster Perpetual’, along with ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’ and ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom of the dial.

The lens has been replaced with a new Rolex original and so this is completely clear and unmarked.

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

The Watch Case

The 18ct yellow gold case is in tip-top condition and measures 34mm, excluding the original Rolex signed Oyster screw-down crown. The case has been professionally cleaned, carefully inspected and lightly polished and is immaculate with no scratches, dings or other damage, visible to the naked eye. The original and sought after early 18ct gold bezel plain is often preferred for its cleaner, simpler look.

Inside the case-back, all the markings are correct and as expected with the Rolex signature: ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland’, along with Geneva Swiss 9ct hallmarks. The case also carries the Rolex model reference number 6564.

The watch case serial number 93697 can be found between the lugs at 6 o’clock which confirms the date of manufacture of this watch as 1959.

Please note – even though this watch was specified as waterproof when new, and the rubber seals have been replaced on the case-back and crown, the water-resistance of this watch has not been tested and is not guaranteed.

As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Watch Movement

The original high grade “Officially Certified Chronometer” 25 Jewels, 1030 calibre ‘butterfly’ movement is very highly regarded for being particularly accurate, reliable and strong. This movement is known as a ‘butterfly’ movement, due to the lightened rotor which resembles a butterfly wing. Here, it is in sparkling condition and working perfectly following a thorough overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This includes dismantling the watch to all its component parts and careful inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Rolex parts, then careful reassembly and adjustment before final calibration in 5 positions. The watch winds, sets and runs accurately and reliably and after final testing and calibration, is running strongly and accurately within +16 seconds/day, which is outstanding for a watch movement of this age! The power reserve of this watch is 48 hours.

The Strap and Buckle

This watch is fitted with a very high-quality black Hirsch Alligator strap with a Rolex gold plated buckle.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to 1959.

The watch also comes complete with the Rolex Oyster presentation box shown in the photographs.

In Conclusion

This is a truly top class example of a 1959 vintage gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual with a Honeycomb dial, in wonderful condition. The watch is ready to wear and totally practical for everyday use. If treated with care it will make an excellent investment or family heirloom piece as well as be something to treasure and enjoy!

Even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly in the past 12 months, we still feel great examples such as this are 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.