In the 1930s through the 1950s, while Rolex was building its reputation on Oyster waterproof watches and other rugged sporting models, the company was simultaneously producing elegant dress watches for discerning clients who valued refinement over utility. These watches represented a different side of Rolex. Slim, understated, and beautifully proportioned, they paired high-quality hand-wound movements with timeless styling that remains appealing today.

The uncommon Rolex showcased in today's offering is a particularly attractive example of this phenomenon.

Housed in a 9K gold Dennison case made for the English market, it reflects an interesting chapter in Rolex history. Because import duties made Swiss-made gold cases prohibitively expensive in Britain, Rolex partnered with famed English case manufacturer Dennison to produce locally cased watches for sale throughout the United Kingdom.

What especially draws us to this watch is its gorgeous Art Deco-influenced dial. It is the kind of dial that can make an otherwise restrained vintage dress watch unforgettable. The stylized Arabic numerals, elongated baton markers, peripheral minute track, and beautifully detailed subsidiary seconds register give it tremendous period character. There is an unmistakable echo here of the great Rolex dials of the 1920s and 1930s, when typography and dial design could be wonderfully expressive and even a relatively simple time-only watch could become an exercise in graphic design.

At 30mm in diameter, it wears true to its era while offering a refined presence that many collectors actively seek today. By today's standard a smaller unisex size, it's well-suited for someone who does not have large wrists.

Powering the watch is its original well-executed Rolex "hunter" handwound movement.

With the one exception of its period winding crown, it has all of its original parts. It presents in beautiful condition.

Its case presents as mint with only light signs of previous polishing.

Its stunning dial has been expertly and near flawlessly previously restored - the restoration could pass as Rolex factory done to the naked eye.

One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, polishing the pivots, installing a new mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $795 value).

It continues to run trong and true, keeping very accurate time.

For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile leather strap and aftermarket Rolex style buckle making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

This is one of those vintage Rolexes where you find yourself coming back to the dial again and again. It has the romance and visual personality of an earlier period of Rolex design that is very difficult to replicate in a modern watch.

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. As mentioned, used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

Manufacturer: Rolex
Country of origin: Switzerland
Case no.: 319,396
Case ref.: 12325
Year made: It has Birmingham hallmarks that date it to 1950.
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Solid 9K gold
Case condition: Presents as mint with only light signs of previous polishing
Dimensions: 30mm diameter (without crown) by 37mm long lug tip to tip
Dial: Silver, signed Rolex and Swiss Made, luminous alternating Arabic and baton indices that glow brightly, outer minute track, Art Deco styled guilloche sunken subsidiary seconds dial. Expertly and near flawlessly previously restored - the restoration could pass as Rolex factory done to the naked eye.
Hands: Original, blue steel "feuilles"
Movement type: Rolex "hunter" caliber, handwound, rhodium-plated, 15 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance
Jewels: 15 rubies
Band: Crocodile, remborde, brand new and unworn. We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
Width between lugs: 16mm
Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition
Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, polishing the pivots, installing a new mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $795 value).
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It continues to run strong and true, keeping very accurate time.
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. As mentioned, one used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide