Rolex Oyster Ref.1003 Gold ‘Full Set’ sold 1964
Opening this week’s newsletter is an exceptionally attractive vintage gold Rolex Oyster which comes by direct descent from the original owner. In excellent condition and showing signs of only light wear, the case has extremely crisp definition and the dial retains a rich lustre to the surface. The watch is accompanied by the original receipt from a Shrewsbury retailer, as well as the numbered Rolex guarantee booklet, numbered chronometer certificate, numbered swing tag and inner and outer Rolex presentation boxes as well as the original Rolex leather strap and Rolex pin buckle. Also within the box is a page cut out from a 1963 Rolex catalogue which illustrates this model. The watch case is detailed with reference number 1003 which was fitted with a calibrated bezel as standard; the bezel on the watch is a smooth Rolex chamfered bezel as found on the Ref. 1002 and was presumably changed on request at the point of sale – this configuration matches the model on the catalogue entry from the 1963 catalogue extract with the watch. The original paperwork shows that the movement was chronometer tested in 1963 and the watch was sold the following year in 1964.
International Watch Co. Ref.309 c.1965
An extremely smart and classic IWC model, this Ref. 309 has a bright silvered dial which retains an excellent lustre to the surface. The steel case is well proportioned with a chamfered bezel and pronounced down-turned lugs. Manually wound, the watch is powered by IWC’s excellent calibre 89 movement which is admired by collectors of the brand for its superior quality and finishing, it is also the calibre used by the watchmaker in their famous IWC military Mark XI model.
Movado Calendograf Ref.14816 c.1945
A great example of the Calendograf, this Movado retains a well defined case with sharp facets to the tops of the lugs and a very handsome dial. The dial has strong two-toning with a silk sheen to the centre and date ring whilst the chapter ring (with raised hour indexes) and the outer track for minutes/seconds has a matt finish. Introduced in 1938, the Calendograf with calibre 475 was one of Movado’s most significant vintage models and examples were exhibited at the 1940 World’s Fair in New York as well as at the Basel Watch Fairs throughout the 1940s. Production of calibre 475 ceased in 1954. This example features the calibre 475 SC which allows the display of centre seconds, rather than the more commonly found subsidiary seconds.
Omega Seamaster 600 Ref.135.011 c.1966
This distinctive Seamaster model has a satin finished dial that is fully set with applied Arabic numerals which have a sharp, linear design and are centrally faceted. The steel case has a polished finish to the upper body and a satin finished screw-down back that is centred with the Omega Seamaster emblem. The watch retains its original steel Omega pin buckle.
Longines Flagship Chronometer Ref.103 c.1958
This Ref. 103 was produced as a special chronometer rated model that formed part of Longines’ Flagship line. The watch has a smart silvered dial with elongated baton indexes and an inner minute/seconds track which runs between the inner tips of the hour indexes. The bezel has a relatively steep chamfer which allows the dial a larger surface area and the use of the elongated hour markers further enhance its perceived size.
Omega Ladymatic Ref.562.001 c.1962
This early 1960s lady’s vintage wristwatch has a silvered, satin finished dial with applied hour indexes. Cased in stainless steel, the watch has a polished finish with satin finished back. Automatically wound, the watch is powered by Omega’s excellent 24-jewel, calibre 681. The date changes each day at midnight but can be manually advanced when required by moving the hands backwards and forwards between 9pm and midnight. There is oxidation spotting across the surface of the dial.
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