Passions Watch Exchange

About This Watch

Vintage. No boxes but comes with orig. dated paper, COSC cert in A4 size plus period instruction manual & several servicing documents from Rolex Watch USA Inc, NY in the mid-1990s.

This is an American Rolex from a long time keeper. American Rolexes are essentially Swiss made Rolexes that were officially imported to USA and early ones like this were sold with American made bracelets due to the US import Tariff Act. Hence, many Swiss watch firms either partnered with local American firms or opened factories to do assemblies and even manufacture. The bracelet on this watch was made in USA and the inner buckle is stamped Rolex USA with all the correct stampings similar to the Swiss made siblings but usually with minor design changes & does not detract in value.

The serial number of this case dates it to 1957 but paper shows that it was sold in 1962 which is perfectly alright as luxury watches were not a priority back then and the Korean War was just over.

This watch has been polished by our Rolex specialist to factory finish & is good as new now. The original bracelet is in very good condition with many links for a decent sized wrist. The dial is near perfect & free from any ageing except for the aged tritium that won't glow. The inside of the back cover is stamped "II 61" which means 2nd half of 1961 production.

The value on this watch is actually the documents that came with it and they are very desirable for collectors. Just take a look at the pictures and you'll be wowed because only pre-1970s Rolex chronometers were issued with this A4 sized COSC timing certificate and the rest of the accompanying documents are simply a delight to see.

This is a precious vintage watch with all the proper documents kept for over 50years & watch is presented in superb condition now. The Ref.1005 may not be an important model in Rolex history but it is an icon of the company and halfgold was just taking it's popularity in those years as not many can afford the solid gold items. This model has the early Millerighe bezel with fine coin-edge like fluted bezel which predates the fluted of what we have today & the dial has heart shaped, double pyramidal gold wdges for the quarter hour markers that are really exquisite. It is these little details that keep the vintage watch collectors fascinated. The inner case and movement shines as new with little wear which is impressive for an almost sixty years old watch.

A classic beauty that can still be worn daily but this is not water resistant anymore so just keep it away from moisture.

*6% GST is included in the advertised price for sales in Malaysia only & discount will be given for cash payment.