This update opens with the superb Rolex Prince shown above. The “Prince” is one of the most famous and iconic of all Rolex’s vintage production. First introduced in 1928, its design was both inventive and creative. One of the first ‘branded’ wristwatch models conceived by any company, its success was not only determined by its stylish Art Deco inspired design, but also by its patented movement. The design of the Prince calibre movement allowed for an enlarged balance and mainspring; by placing these two elements at opposite ends of the rectangular movement, not only was the power reserve increased, but so too the watch’s accuracy. Indeed, so successful was the movement, that the majority of Princes (including the one shown here) were originally chronometer rated.
The Prince models provide clear proof of the inventive genius of Rolex and its visionary founder, Hans Wilsdorf. Made in 1935, the present wristwatch is in wonderful condition for its age and the design of the case and dial clearly demonstrate the quality and attention to detail lavished on these models. The stunning silvered dial is in excellent original condition and has three different surface finishes: the main body of the dial has a silky matte silvered finish; the minute track to the upper part of the dial is outlined in black, but the divisions themselves are finished in a secondary silvered tone that is much more matte in appearance than the main dial body; 
the dial is bordered to the top and bottom with ‘mirror’ finished, high sheen, silvered panels. It is these ‘mirror’ panels that are subtly yet elegantly reflected in the gold case by the use of white gold strips immediately next to and running the full length of the crystal. The rest of the case is made in yellow gold with a linear, stepped upper body with gently rounded ends to the lugs, all set above the elegantly curved case back.
Shown above is a very handsome Tudor Oyster ‘Royal’ which is date stamped for 1962. This watch, a Ref. 7934, is in excellent condition for its age with a beautiful satin finished dial. Dating as it does to the early 1960s, it is one of those fascinating ‘bridging’ models that combines a perfect mix of 1950s and 1960s watch design. The model features a robust stainless steel Rolex Oyster case and is set to a Tudor Oyster bracelet with folding adjustable clasp.
Also by Tudor is the Oyster Prince, Ref. 7965, pictured above. This watch is again in superb condition with a silvered dial that has stylish Arabic numerals and sword shaped hands. The movement is the finely finished, automatic calibre 2461 with 25 jewels. This model also has a stainless steel Rolex Oyster case.
Illustrated above is a classic steel Omega dating to circa 1940. This watch has a silvered dial that has acquired an attractive warm and creamy patina with light and even oxidation to the surface. Manually wound, it is powered by the famous Omega calibre 30T2.
Shown above is a handsome Rolex dress watch with a manually wound, 17 jewel movement. Dating to 1948, the gold case has a softer, more rounded design than Rolex dress watches of the 1950s and 1960s; most notably, the lugs are gently down-turned and the bezel is less angular than later versions. The silvered dial has been professionally restored and has a finely engine-turned subsidiary seconds dial and blued steel feuille/leaf-shaped hands.
Dating to circa 1970 is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Club watch illustrated here. This watch is large for a vintage model with a case diameter of 36mm. The large twin aperture at 3 o’clock displays the day and date – there is provision for quick date change, a demonstration of which is shown in our video here. The watch has an automatic movement which was made for Jaeger-LeCoultre by A. Schild SA.
And rounding things off we have a wonderfully crisp Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Ref. 1002, which dates to 1986. This watch has an unblemished dial with a bright, satin finished sheen. One of the most classic Oyster models, this version is set to a heavy gauge, stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with adjustable folding clasp.
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