Passions Watch Exchange

About This Watch

Vintage. Comes with orig. vintage box but no paper.

A very desirable Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer in solid 18KYG with the Cal.1030 chronometer rated automatic movement and the butterfly rotor.

This is by far one of the best preserved model that we have come across. It is as original as it can be, in incredible condition and with the original gold bracelet while we only replaced a new acrylic crystal and gasket. The original silvered dial has appliqué gold pyramid arrow heads for the hours with radium dots and the 50m=165ft rating which is especially rare on any Rolex Oysters. This would find it's way onto Submariners later. It will be quite impossible to find another better watch for this reference model.

According to the serial numbers, this watch would've been produced around 1955 as Rolex production reached 1,000,000 in 1954 then restarted the numbering and by 1957 it was 300,000.

The crown is a period correct from 1950s which has a + sign instead of the current - sign and being a post 1953 watch meant that the Super-Oyster crown has been discontinued. Upon unlocking the back cover, you will be greeted by a gleaming movement that looks as if it's just assembled yesterday.

The solid 18ct gold riveted bracelet bears the manufacture date of 4th quarter 1954 and is in superb condition except for some general surface wear that can be easily polished. It has full links, tight and expandable type due to the spring-loaded links but more importantly, it has a scallop style crown on the buckle which is an early logo of Rolex. This bracelet alone is worth more than USD$10K but is difficult to price due to it's rarity and would fit any higher models such as chronographs or any Oysters with 19mm lugs.

A rare gem for the astute collector and very reasonably priced.