1920's Rolex Ladies Vintage Art Nouveau Watch - 9K Gold
While busy developing their Oyster case, Rolex also crafted lady's pieces to meet the needs of their wealthy female clients.
The fine, century-old wristwatch featured in today's offering is an uncommon example of one of these very early Lady Rolex timepieces made for the British market. Rolex was one of the pioneers of the wrist-worn watch.
It has a pleasingly styled Art Nouveau case with decorated sides and bezel which are complemented by the wonderful silver face with sunburst guilloche finish. Most often the cases were only decorated on the sides not the bezel. The bezel decoration and the high grade movement, higher grade than usual for a ladies watch, both suggest that this was a higher-tier offering for Rolex at the time. The case bears British hallmarks.
Its blue steel hands have tone to a deep rich purple color especially noticeable at certain angles.
Born before the days of constant brand focused marketing, very early Rolex wristwatches were often not signed Rolex on the dial. Only the movement and the case were signed. Hans Wilsdorf was a watch branding pioneer and realized that the name Rolex would never become famous only stamped on the movement; he became one of the first watch manufacturers to insist the brand name also was on the dial.
Powering this gem is its very high grade original Rolex caliber handwound movement. Unlike most Rolex movements from the era, especially those placed in the company's ladies watches, it was adjusted to six positions and for "all climates" temperatures like a chronometer.
During this period, after assembly and testing, Rolex labeled their best performing movements with a "Prima designation", as is the case with this watch. The finish on the outwardly presenting gears (ratchet wheel) presents in shockingly good condition.
Its case is in better than near mint condition with only light wear. The detail on the engraving on the side is still very fine and has never been polished. On the wrist, it presents beautifully.
Its untouched original dial has darkened to a dark silver with slight hint of sepia giving it a true vintage look. Please inquire if you would like it restored.
One of our Master Watchmakers has cleaned and oiled the movement. These watches are known for not operating especially well because of their age, but this one, which we have also timed on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn on the wrist, is keeping very acceptable time.
For the finishing touch, it comes equipped with a leather strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.
Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Manufacturer: Rolex
Country of origin: Switzerland
Year built: c. 1920's
Case no.: 12006
Functions: Hours and minutes
Designed for: Women
Case material: 9K gold
Case markings (inside): Rolex, 7 World's Records, 9K, Geneva - Suisse, R.W.C.
Case condition: Better than near mint condition with only light wear. The detail on the engraving on the side is still very fine and has never been polished. On the wrist it presents beautifully.
Dimensions: 21mm diameter (excluding crown) by 27mm long lug tip to tip
Dial: Signed Rolex, sunburst guilloche, black painted radial Arabic numerals, silver, with outer railroad minute track, original and untouched. It has darkened to a dark silver with slight hint of sepia giving it a true antique look. Please inquire if you would like to restored.
Hands: Original, blue steel "cathedrals", toned to a deep purple
Movement type: Signed Rolex, manually wound, very high grade - chronometer quality, 15 ruby jewels, nickel plated and decorated, adjusted to six positions and temperatures
Movement markings: Rolex, 15 Jewels, Swiss Made, Timed 6 Positions, For All Climates
Movement Jewels: 15 rubies
Band: Leather, remborde, designed for fixed lugs use. A black leather strap could also likely be installed if you would prefer.
Crystal: Mineral glass, excellent condition
Serviced: Yes, one of our Master Watchmakers has cleaned and oiled the movement. These watches are known for not operating especially well because of their age, but this one, which we have also timed on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn on the wrist, is keeping very acceptable time.
Timing: Timed on a computerized system. These watches are known for not operating especially well because of their age, but this one, which we have also timed on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn on the wrist, is keeping very acceptable time. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
