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Rolex Royal Precision, 1951, 15 Jewel Super Balance, Stainless Steel

Name: Rolex Royal Precision, 1951, 15 Jewel Super Balance, Stainless Steel
Brand: Rolex
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

$3,516List Price

About the Item

Today'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 crown which was produced for only three years. The “Super-Oyster” (See Picture) winding crown was an attempt by Rolex to create a waterproof winding crown which did not need to be screwed down. While the system itself worked, in time the rubber seal perished and therefore this crown type was phased out after only a few years of production. Housed in one of Rolex's water-tight Oyster cases, the wristwatch originally offered its owner complete protection against water, dust, and perspiration. The 6144 is one of the more uncommon mid-century Oysters. This has a most unusual dial, often referred as a “Dagger and Dot” dial, it has survived over 70 years without the stain of patina, age contributes to this. An attractive example of the Rolex Oyster Royal 6144. Hailing from circa 1951, this Oyster Royal reference 6144 features a 32mm case and "Super Oyster" crown which was used by Rolex as an experiment against their traditional screw down Oyster crowns. It’s rare to see a Super Oyster crown these days as most are swapped out during a service so this adds something quite special to this watch! The case remains in fair shape for its age with numerous light scratches as expected with its age but retaining good lines. The caliber 700 movement runs beautifully as of this listing This special Rolex checks the boxes for really cool and uncommon features. As a 31MM, it can be worn well by anyone with smaller wrists. It is important to keep in mind that early 1930’s to 1950’s Rolexes were much smaller than, most were 28MM to 32MM This watch was acquired from England, so that adds another layer to the story that we will never know, don’t you love a good mystery. I was very lucky to acquire it in such beautiful original condition. The watch is fully original down to the dial, hands, and winding crown. Its case is also better than near mint and shows only slight signs of being polished. Its dial is awesome - it is gorgeous and presents as mint. Mint, remember that this treasure was born in 1951, it is 72 years young. .Manufacturer: Rolex Country of origin: Switzerland Model: Oyster Perpetual, Reference 6144 Serial number: 774280 Year built: c. 1951 Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds Designed for: Men Case material: Stainless steel Case condition: Better than near mint and shows beautifully Dimensions: 31mm diameter (without the crown), 13mm thick Dial: Cream color with Dot and Dagger markers, outer minute/second division, central second sweep hand. Presents as mint and appears to be original Hands: Original, skeleton blued steel hands Movement type: Signed Rolex, manually wound with Super Balance, rhodium-plated, 15 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring Width between lugs: 17mm Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition

Creator:
Rolex
Case Material:
Stainless Steel
Strap Material:
Leather
Case Shape:
Round
Movement:
Case Dimensions:
Height: 0.52 in (13 mm)Width: 1.23 in (31 mm)Diameter: 1.23 in (31 mm)
Place of Origin:
Switzerland
Period:
1950-1959
Date of Manufacture:
1951
Condition:
Minor losses.
Seller Location:
Raleigh, NC
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU3149220718142

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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.

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