Vintage
Subexplorer challenges the common perception of Rolex as solely a maker of tool watches by showcasing a beautiful vintage dress watch, the Rolex Precision Ref. 9659. This post delves into the elegance and design philosophy of Rolex's non-Oyster models, reminding collectors of the brand's rich and diverse history beyond its famous waterproof cases.
We, Rolex vintage collectors usually think about those great tool watches which made this brand famous for. I´m not an exception to the rule, but sometimes I feel that not looking around and exploring other variants, means missing part of the fun.
Of course, we usually associate our favorite brand with its strong and efficient water proof Oyster case, with its classic and sensual rounded shape and good heft, housing a reliable automatic movement inside.
Anyway, we find that in the past, Rolex made not only watches with a manual movement inside, but classic dress watches with non Oyster cases as well.
This is the type I am showing in this post. This watch got a rather thin non waterproof gold case, with its back closed by a lid locked just by pressure. This is a little watch that could easily compete in elegance and design, with other contemporary models offered by brands like Omega, Longines or IWC in their time, all timepices characterized by their discreet and most elegant shapes.
Rolex produced several references with this design philosophy in the past, and the present watch is representative of those lines.
And though I usually direct my search for new additions to my collection, to the classic Oysters, I couldn´t resist the looks of the beautiful night blue dial, as soon as I viewed it inside a vintage watch shop window.
This watch has the reference 9659, and is known as a Precision model, made circa 1964. Its case is 18K gold, with a 34 mm diameter, and houses a manual wind movement, caliber 1210 with 17 jewels.
A photograph from my files, of unknown source, will give an idea of this fine and reliable movement.
In some advertising from the time, Rolex described this model as an "Elegant Watch", and I find this description very well suited.
No doubt, the most attractive feature of this timepiece, is its dial, very difficult to photograph and get its true color, which I can describe as a dark night blue, with a "sun burst" surface, which plays with light reaching its surface.
Indexes and baton hands are made in gold, as well as the Rolex Crown emblem applied to the dial surface. Lettering is gold too, completing the general design of this beautiful dial.
Â
I´m sure many collectors will find this watch too small, under the present day standards, but I personally find it very well suited for a formal dress requiring a low profile but elegant watch like this.
This watch came with its present lizard straps, which are not the original ones. I´ll be looking for a nice gold Rolex buckle to add to this set of straps, which I find appropiate to the style of this watch.
The excelent condition of this timepiece speaks about the care received by its original owner, who probably weared it only in special occassions. The movement is in perfect and clean condition, and works making honor to its inscription on the dial, with great "Precision".
I love to wear it from time to time, and enjoy very much the use of a manual winding. To wind a good watch has something of a rite, with the smooth working of its crown, and the beautiful sound you hear while turning it. That is part of the charm and enjoyment of an old watch like this one.
A different and affordable to Rolex collecting.
I wish you´ll like my little "Elegant Watch" and thank you all for your kind attention.
Best cordial regards, Abel.
Â
That Rolex would make a offer a few elegant options like this today. But they seem to have narrowed their scope to tool watches - partly through their marketing created perception that they are in fact a too watch company. But their history is rich with elegant watches, complications etc. Thank you so much Abel for bringing that to our attention. Wish you a Happy Easter. J.
You have a beautiful Precision. It would suit my 6.5 inch wrist beautifully as I collect medium/small sized watches of around 34 mm diameter.
There is a life outside the professional models! This is a good alternative to the brands you mentionned, and i would also add JLC. Too small, 34 mm? Elegance is never too small, my friend, and I find this lovely jewel very well proportioned. Thanks for another great reading, Amigo. Un Abrazo. Nicolas.
... this watch and find it interesting. Have a nice Easter week end too! Very cordially, Abel.
... thank you for your kind comments Rolexprince! Have a nice Easter! Very cordially, Abel.
... among the brands, and surely in a first place! Sorry I forgot that one! You are so right mentioning that size has nothing to do with elegance or charme. The present trend is to big sized watches of course, and though I feel completely comfortable with 34 and 36 mm watches, I can understand many watch users would feel this size is "small", which of course, is a very subjective feeling. May be I´m older and accustomed to those sizes, as well as having a 7" wrist, it seems that a 42 mm diameter
This thread is active on the Rolex forum with 20 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
