Vintage Rolex Precision Reference 4658 Stainless Steel Watch, 1951
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Vintage Rolex Precision Reference 4658 Stainless Steel Watch, 1951
About the Item
- Creator:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1951
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Beverly Hills, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: 125931stDibs: LU139416935631
Rolex
While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.
Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.
But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.
But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.
Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.
The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.
Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.
- Rolex Royal Precision, 1951, 15 Jewel Super Balance, Stainless SteelBy RolexLocated in Raleigh, NCToday's offering showcases this uncommon and original Rolex Oyster Royal model #6144 encased in stainless steel. Built only in the early 1950's, these watches are fine and desirable. A Style Note: The Rolex Oyster Royal was introduced in 1933 and was in production for over 20 years. It was part of the models nicknamed “Flatback” by collectors. It was the perfect alternative to the Bubbleback, for clients looking for a slimmer case and non-hooded lugs. Its contained diameter is largely compensated by the strong character these true vintage Rolex offer thanks to the incredible variety of dial configurations that was offered at the time. Some Historical Perspective: The Oyster Precision is one of the most straightforward watches Rolex has ever built. The watch is truly about representing the essentials only, with no added distractions. This example is fitted in a 32mm stainless steel case with a smooth bezel, so it actually wears a little larger than its measurement might seem. Vintage collectors often get caught up in the infinitesimal details that intrigue further and further as you dive in. Yet sometimes, a watch presents itself up and is simple elegance with pure, simplistic, undeniable greatness. The stainless steel Oyster case is already an iconic vintage look, but when you add in an interestingly finished dial, and a manual-wind movement, the watch suddenly becomes something to write home about. Translating from Rolex, the "Precision" branding indicates a manually wound movement, just as "Perpetual" points to a self-winding or automatic movement powering the watch. Rolex watches like this one are consistently compelling, never going out of style. The last word on the dial is, of course, "Royal." This is one we do not see all too often; it was phased out right around the early 1960s time frame. It's always nice to have a little uncommon detail like this. Even your pickiest collector friends will give this a royal "huh, that's pretty cool." THE FINE PRINT Maker: Rolex Unique Characteristics: "Royal" designation on dial Excellent Dial Condition Flat Back design Extremely robust and enjoyable, the Flatback both goes back to the roots of the Oyster case history and continues today to provide a huge satisfaction to its wearer. The 6144 was also one of the relatively few Rolex models to feature the short-lived Super Oyster...Category
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