Description

A very rare, fully restored gentleman’s 9ct vintage Rolex Precision dress watch, complete with its original Rolex integral bracelet. This watch is of a very clean, simple and classic design and typical of the 1960s but with a stunning black military dial. It contains the original Rolex calibre 1210 movement which is highly reliable and accurate.

At 34mm diameter, excluding the original Rolex signed crown, this is a good-sized Rolex Precision for the period.

The case and bracelet are in truly immaculate condition and the beautiful black military-style dial has been beautifully restored. The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced.

Such examples are now becoming almost impossible to find, especially in the outstanding condition you see here. This is truly one of the finest examples of a vintage Rolex Precision that we have ever seen, and we have seen a great many.

The Dial

A particularly rare and highly impressive looking black military dial. Bold standard Arabic numerals are paired with the original restored Index which are in superb condition.

Black dials have become exceedingly popular over the past 15 years and look wonderful with yellow gold fial furnishings and yellow gold cases.  The minute track around the outer dial frames the dial beautifully.

The dial is also signed and branded with the early Rolex Coronet, along with ‘Rolex’ and ‘Precision’ below. The lens has been replaced by a new, original Rolex part.

This is the original dial which has been beautifully restored to the highest standards, by the best dial restorers in the UK.

The Movement

The watch carries its original high grade Rolex Calibre 1210 Precision movement, which as can be seen, is in sparkling clean condition. The movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using only original Rolex parts where required, by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. His work is superb and when finally tested and calibrated, the watch was running consistently at +5 seconds per day, which is truly exceptional for any vintage watch of this age.

The Case

The original watch case is of particularly high quality, having been made for Rolex by David Shackman & Sons of Chesham, Bucks, UK.  Shackman & Sons were very high quality case-makers and one of two English case-makers used by Rolex, the other being Dennison & Co. of Birmingham. The case is of three-piece construction with a press-fit case-back which fits and clicks back with a reassuring click.

This watch has been beautifully well cared for and has simply required a careful inspection and gentle hand-polish to bring it back to its current almost new condition. The outside of the case-back is unmarked and polished and has never been engraved. The case measures 34mm in diameter, not including the original crown and so this is a large sized Rolex Precision by the standards of the day. This watch is fitted with its original Rolex signed crown which, as can be seen, is in fantastic condition. Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct for a Rolex watch case made by Shackman and signed D.S.&S  (David Shackman & Sons Ltd) along with the reference number 30365. The case-back also carries London 9ct hallmarks which date this watch to 1966.

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

The Bracelet

The original 9ct integral Rolex bracelet is, just like the rest of the watch, in immaculate condition. Very few Rolex Precision dress watches were made with matching Rolex bracelets and even fewer survive today. To find one in the condition you see here is almost unheard of.

The bracelet has an attractive light bark finish which remains clear and distinct and almost as new, indicating it has not been overpolished.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings and signatures are all correct, dating the watch to 1966.

A vintage Rolex presentation box, as shown in the photographs, is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is a truly first class example of a 1966 vintage Rolex Precision dress watch which is ready to wear for evening or daytime use, as you prefer. 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 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.

This is a highly collectible vintage gold watch from horology’s most famous name which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy!