Gents rare 34mm Rolex Precision manual Model Reference 271 bearing hallmarks for London, letter ‘T’ denoting to 1954. Retains the original sought after ‘honeycomb’ dial featuring aged lume filled raised gold gilt arrow head markers with a gold centre seconds hand sweeping the outer chapter ring is enhanced with a gold surround roulette date window at ‘3’ o clock. The concave raised gold gilt Rolex coronet sits proudly at ‘12’ o clock with applied Precision above ‘6’ o clock and Swiss at the very bottom. Housed in a rare flared lugs solid 9 carat gold triple stepped case. Recently benefited from a full inspection by a Rolex specialist watchmaker, excellent working order keeping accurate time ready to enjoy!
Yes, the fastball for Rolex is sport, but the Crown will surprise you every once in a while with something unique and gorgeous. It’s not often you come across a 1950’s watch like this from Rolex. A little-known fact is that Rolex focused a lot on making elegant dress watches in the 1950’s and 60’s (yes, the same period the brand was introducing the GMT, Explorer, and the rest), which is how this watch came to be.
We have offered a bunch of Precisions in the past and this watch has a lot of the same traits like a manually wound movement, and a solid gold case, – But this is something different, something special. With the unique honeycomb roulette dial configuration and housed in a 34mm flared lug case, here this watch is able to sit between dressy and casual in a way that other Precisions, cannot. This Rolex model was competing with the Patek Calatrava and Vacheron Patrimony back in the roaring 50’s/60’s.
The patina silvered honeycomb dial stands out in this example dressed with raised lume filled gold gilt arrow indexes. This was a real go-to for Rolex in the period and works especially well in this iteration. Details like these are what collectors love from Rolex and show the true design prowess of "the crown." This is only further the case with watches executed in the colour ‘Gold’ - Even collectors that normally shy away from gold ‘colour way’ watches can understand the appeal of the precious metal when examples like this Rolex become available.
This model is highly sought after because the seemingly small difference in the unique dial and case size compared to similar watches of the era does add significantly to the ‘presence’ and rarity of this watch.
The original 34mm case on this watch is 9 carat gold and fitted to a new good quality leather strap. The chamfered bezel beautifully wrapping around the case makes this watch a perfect size for someone yearning pure elegance. An excellent black leather strap/band, finishes the package off and cements the presence of this timepiece on your wrist.
The Original Dial: Silvered honeycomb dial which has patina is signed Rolex Precision Swiss, whilst the honeycomb effect dial subtly exudes a class you can only find on a watch of this stature. Unique highly polished aged concave gold gilt arrow indexes set the dial beautifully with an outer chapter ring having applied minute indices. Original polished gold ‘Lance’ hands with a gold gilt centre seconds hand. The dial has marks and patina all over, the luminous has perished on the hands over time and soiling marks are present commensurate with age and wear. Please observe photos.
The Original Case: 34mm (without crown), 9 carat gold polished case with a smooth chamfered bezel and flared lugs. Hallmarks for 9 carat gold. The flared lugs remain sharp and characteristic showcasing the quality of Rolex’s reputation of making long lasting and iconic wristwatches. The condition of the case is solid for the age and has light surface scratches commensurate with age and everyday wear. The case retains all the key attributes that makes this reference Rolex so desirable and proves to be a timeless piece of design and quality.
The Original Crystal: Domed plexiglass crystal in good condition.
The Original Case Back Cover Outer: Snap back gold case pops and clicks fitting perfectly flush without any issues. Has signs of light surface hairline scratches associated with precious polished metals commensurate with age and wear. Overall good condition.
The Original Case Back Cover Inner: Hallmarks for London with letter ‘T’ denoting to 1954. 9.375 271. Signed D.S &S (Dave Shakman & Sons) 1 of 3 official Rolex case makers situated in Birmingham’s Jewellery quarter the other 2 were Henry Britton and Sons and Dennison -. In good condition.
The Original Movement: Signed Montres Rolex SA Geneva Swiss 17 Jewels. Rolex manually wound calibre 1210 lever escapement, 17 jewels movement numbered 69232. In excellent working order keeping accurate time. Recently tested and inspected by a Rolex specialist watchmaker with no issues to report.
The Crown: Unsigned replacement crown in superb working order, very smooth.
The Strap/Band Buckle: Recently fitted new aftermarket unauthentic good quality leather strap with a new gold plated steel aftermarket buckle.
*Please observe photos carefully as they form part of the description*
Please note this Rolex is over 70 years old. Shipping DHL insured registered post World wide, buyer responsible for any taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at destination port.
Additional information;
Maker: Rolex
Model: Precision
Material: 9 Carat Gold
Dimensions: 34 mm diameter excluding crown
Strap/Buckle: Aftermarket leather gold plated
Lug Width: 18 mm
Box/Papers: No
Case: 9 Carat Gold
Crown: Non Signed Crown.
Dial: Silver Honeycomb
Crystal: Plexi.
Technical specifications
Winding: Manual.
Movement type: Precision Manual.
Calibre: Rolex Calibre 1210
Jewels: 17
Condition: Vintage condition.
Model Reference Number: 271
Date of issue: c.1954
Rolex offered Oyster Precision watches from the early 1950s to the late 1970s, with several different dials and movements. The Rolex Oyster Precision is one of the few Rolex watches equipped with a hand-wound mechanical movement. Rolex watches not only became the watches worn by the most influential people, they were also put to the test in the most extreme situations. Sir Malcolm Campbell wore one while breaking land speed records in Bluebell in 1935, as did the first pilot to break the sound barrier in 1947.
Sir Edmund Hillary wore an Oyster Perpetual on the first ever summit of Everest in 1953, and this extraordinary feat began a series of Professional models, the first of which was the Oyster Perpetual Explorer, based on the model Hillary wore. The present watch, an Oyster ref. 271 circa 1954 channels the importance of Rolex’s effect on history in wonderful style and elegance.