Just Beautiful 1956 Rolex Oyster ‘Big Bubble’ Roulette Date with Later White Gold Fluted Bezel Gents Vintage Watch

The Overview

The Rolex Datejust was first introduced in 1945 (Rolex presented one to Winston Churchill in 1945) and this is a wonderful example from 1956. As mentioned, we’ve had to use a slightly later (1970’s) solid white gold fluted bezel as the original was missing when we bought it (the original one would’ve been similar but with slightly smaller ridges). The case is in excellent condition with only the most minor signs of wear – please see the rounded case back, this was created to allow the early automatic movement to fit into the case hence the nickname ‘Big Bubble’. The original Rolex singed crisp white dial has been professionally refinished to the highest possible standard to give an exact match to the colour it would’ve have been – please note, we guarantee it’s the original dial and not a replacement. The very high grade Rolex signed automatic movement is again in excellent condition and has just been fully serviced by our watchmaker. Please note, whilst the movement is working extremely well it will gain/lose 25 to 30 seconds per day and whilst automatic may need winding every now and again. To complete this stunning piece we’ve added a new, super high quality, black Hirsch ‘London’ alligator strap with steel Hirsch buckle. We will give a 12 month guarantee on the movement.

We rarely buy watches that aren’t 100% original but this is such a rare and beautiful watch and the fluted bezel replacement is genuine Rolex.

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The Case

The case is in excellent condition with only the most minor signs of wear – please see the rounded case back, this was created to allow the early automatic movement to fit into the case hence the nickname ‘Big Bubble’. The case measures 36mm across, excluding the Rolex signed crown and 43mm long including the lugs. The inside case is signed ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland’, ‘Patented Stainless Steel’, ‘6605’ and the age reference is ‘11.56’ dating it to 1956.

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The Movement

The very high grade Rolex signed automatic movement is again in excellent condition and has just been fully serviced by our watchmaker. Please note, whilst the movement is working extremely well it will gain/lose 25 to 30 seconds per day and whilst automatic may need winding every now and again. The movement is signed ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Swiss’, ‘Adjusted 5 Positions and Temperature’, Twenty Five 25 Jewels’ and the calibre is ‘1065’. The movement number is N695185.

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The Rolex Box, Papers and Sonning Warranty

As with the majority of pre-owned watches that are 10 years or older, this particular watch does not come with its original box and paperwork. The watch is 100% genuine and rest assured we provide a lifetime guarantee on the authenticity and provenance of all the watches we sell.

Although there is no original paperwork, we do provide a written invoice and 3 page insurance valuation with the pictures of the watch and all available reference numbers. We also give a 12 month warranty on all our watches. We also stock a good selection of vintage watch boxes to help complete your purchase.

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About Sonning Vintage Watches

Sonning Vintage Watches are one of the largest prestige brand vintage watch retailers on the Internet carrying stock of around £800,000; we’ve sold over 3,000 vintage watches across the world since our formation in 2009. We’re based in Berkshire and Nottingham and spend 1- 2 days a week in London. Whilst we’re an Internet business we do ‘show’ 90% of our watches prior to sale and travel across England to meet prospective buyers.

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Why Purchase a Watch from SVW

We provide a lifetime guarantee on the authenticity and provenance of all our watches and come with a full printed Receipt of Sale and Insurance Valuation. Purchasing from SVW gives you the protection and reassurance of buying from an incorporated company with outstanding customer testimonials.

We provide a high quality box and use the Royal Mail Special Delivery for the UK and DHL for overseas sales. They are insured for the full purchase value.

See what our customers say – 100% positive feedback on all our sales sites and over 40% of our customers buy again or refer us!

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Couriering and Pre-Delivery Inspection

We use the Royal Mail’s Guaranteed next day service for UK sales and DHL for all overseas shipping. All our watches are fully serviced, but prior to couriering each one will undergo a 3 day pre-delivery check to ensure the watch is in perfect condition.

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The Conclusion

This is a rare and highly collectable vintage watch from one of horology’s most famous names and will, if history is any judge, provide an excellent financial investment as well as a possession to treasure and enjoy. I will provide an insurance valuation in excess of my asking price. Please appreciate the difficulty of photographing this piece, it looks even better in real life. Subject to your location I’ll happily show the watch.

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    £4,950
    Enquire Now Ref: 11/2678Close Form