For sale we have a 1959 Rolex Precision reference 4375. It is a 9ct gold ladies cocktail watch, with a period 9ct gold bracelet. It has a unique hooded lug design. It has a cream dial with applied hour markers and Rolex Cornet logo. It has the original thick square cut glass which is a quality touch. Inside is the Rolex calibre 180 Size F movement, which has been serviced and is keeping good time.
It is an uncommon reference, amongst a small group of Rolex cocktail watches produced in the 1950s & 1960s.
The dial is simple and well balanced. It has a cream base tone, with applied square and arrow markers. It has the applied Rolex Cornet at 12 O’clock. It is signed “Rolex”, with “Precision” above 6 O’clock.
The case measures 19mm wide by 30mm long with its stylish hooded lug design. It has a slim depth of 6.7mm to the centre of the glass, which makes it a neat wear on the wrist. The hooded lugs provide a dramatic, swooping fall to the bracelet. This pairs well with the thick square cut glass, providing depth and intrigue to the design. It has a flat polished surround to the glass, with a bevel leading to the flat polished sides. To the rear, the snap on back has a barrel shape, with British hallmarking from Dublin Assay Office. To the bottom is the Rolex serial number, with the cornet logo to the top. Inside, it has the RWC LTD signing, with the 31 victoires signing. It has Swiss hallmarking for 9ct gold, with the model reference 4375. It has the Poincon De Maitre no. 126, indicating the case was manufactured for Rolex by Jean Humbert & Co S.A.
It has a Rolex calibre 180 Size F movement inside. This is a seldom seen movement, of very good quality and design. It has a jewel count of 17 and is manual wind. It has the patented Rolex super balance. It has been serviced and is keeping time to within +30 seconds a day.
It comes on a period Princess Bel 9ct gold bracelet, with hallmarking from Birmingham assay office dating to 1960. It is a well-made and beautiful bracelet, which was likely paired to the watch when it was sold by a UK jeweller.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is original and is in fair condition. It has signs of wear to the edges of the dial, with marking associated with age. The applied hour markers and Rolex cornet are good, with a bright shine. The signing is clear.
Hands:
The hands are original and are of leaf style. They are in good condition, with a lightly patinated tone.
Glass:
The glass is original and is in good condition with no marking.
Crown:
The crown is original and is unsigned.
Case:
The case is 9ct gold and is in good condition. The polished finish is good with only light surface scratching. It has no dents.
Caseback:
The 9ct gold snap on case back is in fair condition. It has a polished finish and has light scratching and marking with age. It has the Rolex cornet with the serial number visible and the hallmarking. They have rubbed slightly with age.
Strap:
The watch comes on a period “Princess Bel” 9ct gold bracelet. It is in good condition, with the original poished finish. It will fit up to a 7" wrist diameter.
Movement:
The movement is a Rolex cal 180 Size F. It is manual wind, with a jewel count of 17. It has a super balance and is supremely well made.
The movement has been recently serviced. It’s keeping time to within +30 seconds deviation a day, with an amplitude of 295 degrees and a beat error of 2.7m/s.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 19mm
Case width with crown: 20mm
Case length: 29.75mm
Case Depth: 6.7mm
Lug width: 10mm