This is a wonderful example of one of the earliest Rolex Datejusts (introduced in 1945) with an original and extremely rare Rolex bracelet…. The solid steel case is in excellent condition with only the most minor signs of wear. The original Rolex signed crisp white dial has been professionally refinished or cleaned a few years ago and is stunning. The raised steel hour batons and original steel dagger hands provide a soft contrast to the dial and are perfectly framed by the early engine turned steel bezel. Being a Roulette date the colours alternate between black and red. The very rare Rolex signed 1065 ‘Butterfly’ automatic movement is again in excellent condition and has just been fully serviced by our professional watchmaker – please note, whilst in excellent condition it will need winding once or twice a week even with regular wear.
The watch sits on a very early (almost certainly the original one) WAB bracelet. Watch Accessories of Birmingham was run by Oscar Winter who was a personal friend of Hans Wilsdorf (founder of Rolex) and due to the very high import duties from Switzerland to Britain he was commissioned by Rolex to make bracelets for Submariners and Datejusts. Uniquely, they have a 3 to 4 mm drop after the end piece and it’s signed WAB Rolex. It does have a lot of sag and stretch but it’s a remarkable find. These sell from around £2,250 on their own and I’d be happy to remove it and reduce the watch to £5,000 and/or include a new Hirsch ‘London’ alligator strap with the full price sale so the bracelet could be kept.
This is an amazing piece of history with one of the rarest bracelets ever made. We will include a 12 month guarantee.
As an aside, the Italians call this watch the little egg after the dome shaped case back or Ovetonne.
