Passions Watch Exchange

About This Watch

Vintage. No boxes or papers. This Rolex Prince is a completely original specimen except the crystal, strap & perhaps crown that would've been changed over the last 80 years but a collector will know that these are immaterial for a pre-War watch. The movement is in brilliant condition while the original dial is excellent for it's age. The gold filled case is showing mild brassing on the edges on the bezel/lugs which is normal & the back cover snaps tightly which is a good sign. There's a row of beautiful filigree engraving running along both case bands of the lower case where the back cover meets and this is a beautiful influence brought by the Art Deco period.

Launched in 1928 by Rolex, the Prince featured a new baguette (Aegler) movement adjusted for temperatures and 6 positions for great accuracy which was important not just for timing superiority but marketing and the strategy to sell watches with chronometer spec movements placed Rolex on the pinnacle. By 1934, Rolex was receiving chronometer status on their movements from the 4 major observatories in Kew, Geneva, Neuchatel, and Besancon. There were three classes of movements with various balance wheels fitted & named as Prima, Extra Prima & Ultra Prima. The last being the highest quality.

This is an interesting Prince most probably sold in the Canadian market where the word "Observatory" is printed at the bottom of the dial. This word has a great meaning to horology and in particular Rolex where it usually refers to the highest level of timing achievement which we relate to the "Ultra Prima" movement fitted.

The Prince is also famously known as the Doctor's watch due to the over-sized small seconds taking up almost half the space of the dial which is ideal for a doctor to check the patient's pulse.

It takes about 15 rounds on the crown to fully wind up the watch.

About 90% of the Rolex Prince watches in the global market now have refinished dials due to age, which is a depressing thought as an original dial is most crucial when it comes to collecting vintage watches. After all, it's facade is the soul to a vintage wristwatch and our watch here is virtually unmolested and has a prized, original dial.

Very reasonably priced for such a rare beauty & a further 3% discount for cash payment. Sold with our 6 months warranty & this watch is not shockproof or water resistant but keeps time and great for daily wear. It was worn for several occasions recently and it performed faultlessly deviating less than a 40secs a day which is exceptional.