There are watches and there are Rolex watches. The world famous Swiss manufacturer of high quality luxury watches was founded in 1905 under the name ‘Wilsdorf and Davis’ by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. The trade name ‘Rolex’ came to fruition around 1908 and the rest is history.
A long line of prestigious endorsements and developments followed such as a class A Precision Certificate by Kew Observatory in 1914, the waterproof ‘Oyster’ wristwatch in 1923, the first watch with an automatically changing date on the dial, (the ‘Datejust’) in 1945 and not to mention the ‘Submariner’ model which has appeared in eleven James Bond films. In the materialistic 1980’s it was the must have accessory with city bankers to wear whilst driving their bright red Porsche.
The brand remains as popular as ever with over 2,000 watches being produced each day by the largest single luxury watch brand.
With such a distinguished pedigree, it is not surprising that there is an avid collectors’ market for vintage Rolex watches.
Two rare and sought after vintage Rolex watches have recently been discovered on valuations days in the Midlands region.
The first is a very early, (thought to be military issue) wristwatch in 9ct gold dating from c.1919. The dial is plain white enamel and features luminous hands and a subsidiary seconds dial but interestingly no name. Opening the back reveals the ‘Rolex’ trademark and the initials ‘W&D’, (for Wilsdorf & Davis – the original founders). The movement bears the magic Rolex name and.. is still ticking today.
The second would have been the enviable gift to one lucky boy in the 1940’s. Known as a ‘Junior Sport’ model, the smaller size case is of the Oyster variety in stainless steel and bears the ‘Patent Oyster’ mark on the crown. Again the dial is plain silvered with subsidiary seconds dial and again no name.
The watches are being offered for auction as Lots 3 and 10 respectively in Richard Winterton’s International Fine Art & Collectors’ Auction on 1st December at The Lichfield Auction Centre. Estimates range from £300-500. Contact Adrian Rathbone, (Fine Arts Associate) on 01543 251081 for further information.
The sale will include part two of the selected contents of Longdon Green House, Longdon Green, Staffordshire, (jewellery, silver, glass, coins, medals, ceramics, works of art and antiquarian books and pictures).
The public preview for the sale is Wednesday 30th November from 11am to 6.30pm and the fully illustrated catalogue is available online at www.the-saleroom.com/richardwinterton
