As a lot of watches that were sold in the UK during this period, it is produced in 9K gold. See the back of one of the lugs for the morning star hallmark, which was used in Switzerland to denote a gold purity of 37,5 percent. The colour is still quite a deep yellow, which one would normally associate with higher gold contents and which adds charm to the watch. The gold has also slightly patinated over time, which suggests the watch has been stored for a long time.
We can deduct two other things from closely inspecting the backside the watch. The first is that it remains unpolished. The factory vertical brushed finishing is all intact and when inspected under a loupe shows very light signs of use. In addition the hallmark is incredibly crisp.
The second is that the watch was originally delivered on a strap. As normally you would see marks in the gold where the bracelet would have been attached. This is confirmed by the original finishing between the lugs and super sharp reference and serial number.
As you can see the front of the case also comes in near perfect condition. The case lines are exactly as they should be and the lugs are nice and thick. In my opinion the watch has never been polished. The 34mm dimensions make the watch suited for almost every wrist. Here you can see the watch pictured on my 17,7 cm wrist.
The strap that is currently on the watch has been custom made by hand for the watch. The inspiration came from the booklet included with the watch. As you can see in the image, the watch originally came on a leather strap exactly as the one pictured here.
Apart from the ‘Guarantee and at your service booklet, of which some images are provided here, the watch also came with its original invoice. As you can see the watch was only sold in November ’67, 6 years after the watch left the factory. We see this more often with Rolex watches from this period, indicating that their stock has not always been moving at the current speed. The original sales price was 80 pounds. This roughly translates to 1820 pounds today.
Another thing we notice in the paperwork is that there used to be one of the most advanced service centers in the world based in Bexley, Kent. This service center, according to the booklet, was super modern. It was equipped with modern electronic equipment and completely dust free due to special doors and windows.
As an cherry on top the watch is still complete with its beautifully shaped Rolex box. The box is all complete with the original insert. Below you also see the watch pictured next to a steel Rolex Air King without date from the same year. It is interesting to see the similarities and differences here.
Concluding these sort of watches are what make my job the best in the world. You get to discover watch history one piece at a time. By finding all original first owner pieces you can piece together the puzzle of the old Swiss watch industry. This watch also offers a glimpse into what these watches would have originally looked like, as it is completely unmolested. If you have a similar piece and would like to find out more about its history, value and condition. Please do not hesitate to contact me.
