On offer is a wonderful circa ‘1926’ Manual wind Ladies Rolex Prima octagonal collectors dress watch from horology’s most famous name. The engine turned dial is signed ‘Dibdin & Co. Ltd Sloane St. S. W. Rolex Swiss Made’. Was supplied when new by Authorised dealer ‘ Dibdin & Co Ltd who were situated in London’s Mayfair during the colourful 1920’s art deco period. Recent service by a Rolex specialist watchmaker, keeping accurate time and in superb running order. Ready to treasure and enjoy!
The purchaser of this beautiful time piece would be delving into the exquisite world of Art Deco Rolex!
The Art Deco movement had a significant influence on Rolex designs during the 1920s and 1930s, with features such as engine turned dials, geometric shapes, streamlined forms, and bold colors. Some notable Art Deco Rolex models include the Prince and Princess which are known for their elegant and sophisticated designs, often featuring intricate details and unique complications.
A practical, accurate and reliable timepiece to use for evening wear, on a regular basis, as you so wish. Beautiful Rolex signed engine turned patinated dial, housed in a rare Rolex signed octagonal 22mm factory solid silver case bearing hallmarks for Glasgow 1926 fitted to a new aftermarket leather strap band which will fit your wrist in pure style and comfort.
The Original Dial: Signed Dibdin & Co. Ltd Sloane St. S. W. below ‘12’, Rolex above ‘6’ and with Swiss Made at the very bottom. Unique engine turned dial carries applied Arabic numerals with steel blue hour and minute ‘Breguet’ style hands which are in solid condition for the age. Outer rail track chapter ring with 1/5th increments. Overall good condition given the age. Dial has marks commensurate with age. Please observe. photographs.
Original Crystal: Good condition
Original Movement: Rolex went to considerable trouble and expense to ensure its small Calibre series movements performed equally as well as its larger gents movements, and they succeeded! These are indeed high precision movements and the example here is running perfectly, having been calibrated to run consistently accurate. This is truly outstanding for any mechanical watch and it is no exaggeration – The high grade Calibre Prima, 15 jewel hand-wound movement is in incredibly clean and solid condition and has just been fully overhauled and serviced by a expert vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This particular movement is in beautiful condition and with similar care and regular servicing, say every 3 to 4 years, one can expect this watch to continue to run very happily for many more decades to come!
Original Case: The octagonal solid silver case is of a very solid two-piece design with a wonderful plain bezel to improve water and dust resistance. Solid silver case measures 22mm excluding the crown. Has surface hairline scratches associated with precious polished metals commensurate with age and wear.
Case Back Cover Outer: The press fit hinged case-back clicks into place with a firm and satisfying ‘pop’, indicating it is a nice tight fit and is of full thickness. The hinges are in good solid condition. Factory case is numbered 17- 54944. Has surface hairline scratches associated with precious polished metals commensurate with age and wear. There are no dents.
Case Back Cover Inner: Inside the case-back is signed Rolex 16 World’s Records Geneva Suisse R.W.C Ltd .925. Also found inside the case-back is the correct hallmarks for Glasgow denoting the letter d for 1926. Good condition.
The Crown/Winder: The crown is unsigned as it was back then. Possible later replacement. In good functioning order.
Aftermarket Strap Band And Buckle: This watch and the new leather strap fitted to a steel aftermarket buckle will fit an extra large ladies wrist size up to 8 inches in circumference maximum equally can be adjusted to a smaller size.
*Please observe photographs carefully as they form part of the description*
Please note this Rolex is over 80 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;
While the gents Rolex’s were the best selling watches throughout the 1930’s many will be surprised to learn there were also ladies Rolex’s sold at the same time. These made up around 10% of all the Rolex watches produced. Half of these were sold on leather straps and half on integral bracelets. These were expensive watches at the time, because it was much more difficult to produce the much smaller 13.75mm diameter Rolex Calibre F series movements, to the same required levels of accuracy and reliability as the movements in the larger gents watches.
It is not quite so well known that Rolex was actually founded in the UK in London 1905 and it was not until 1919 that the company transferred its base of operations to Geneva, Switzerland. It is also a misconception that the world of luxury watches is a gentlemans one, as the first recorded wristwatch was actually designed for a lady. In June 1810, Abraham-Louis Breguet made a watch for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples. For many decades, women have proudly worn Rolex watches and have been integral to the brand’s success…
Rolex went to considerable lengths and expense to ensure its 13.75mm diameter, Cal.F series movements performed equally as well as its larger gents Precision movements – and they succeeded! These are indeed high precision movements and the example here is running perfectly, having been calibrated to run consistently. (083)