Gentleman’s Rolex Precision manual wind from 1946. A large watch for the period, with a very unusual case and massive flared lugs. Outstanding condition overall, certainly for its age.
The case features a 18K rose gold top in excellent condition with a high polished finish. The caseback is stainless steel which is pretty typical for Rolex during this period. I’ve read these cases were made for warmer climates and that is why these are referred to as “Tropical”. The tropical case was so named because gold heats up very easily in the sun which could make the watch uncomfortable to wear so they fitted a steel back which stays (relatively) cool against your wrist. The Caseback picture shows the crown stamp. Directly across from the crown stamp is the serial number. Both are still very visible where most watches you see these days have had both the crown and serial numbers removed from over polishing, Not This One. The caseback has never been polished so both are clearly visible.
The case measures 35mm w/o the crown and 44mm lug to lug. Again, this a big watch for the time period and the extended lugs makes wear even bigger. The original finish dial shows a bit of aging, but is wonderful considering its age. It It also features its original rose gold hour and minute hands and a blued steel sweep seconds hand. Dial is signed “Rolex Precision” with “Swiss Made” at 6 o’clock.
The movement is Rolex’s own in-house manual wind with 17 jewels and marked “Adjusted 2- positions”. It also features Rolex’s “Super Balance” and an early form of shockproofing for the balance pivots. The movement is in absolutely beautiful condition. We have just finished a full service of the movement including a new mainspring. It is running great and keeping very good time. Once servicing was completed, we installed our best genuine Louisiana Alligator strap in medium brown and a period correct rose gold plated buckle. It’s all about the details!
