There is a certain kind of mid-century design that feels almost sculptural—a piece shaped not to imitate anything else in the marketplace, but to express a moment in time when watchmakers dared to experiment. The Rolex offered here is one of those rare survivors: a ladies’ 18K gold dress watch with a boldly asymmetrical case, a form that captures the exact spirit of 1950's artistic exploration as the '57 Chevy and the '59 Cadillac fins.

In the 1950's while making many more sporting Oyster style watches, Rolex crafted special dress wristwatches to meet the needs of their female clientele.

The rare and beautiful ladies Rolex ref. 8853 wristwatch featured in today's offering is a wonderful example of one of those pieces.

Rather than a conventional rectangular outline, the case flows with a deliberate imbalance: one side broader and more weighted, the other tapering and pulling the eye across the dial. It creates a dynamic, almost architectural silhouette, the kind of form you admire not just as a timekeeper but as a small piece of wearable design.

Photographed from any angle, the case reveals thoughtful shifts in mass and line—sloping planes, softened edges, and a geometry that feels genuinely hand-considered.

This kind of asymmetry was used sparingly during the period. Rolex produced very few pieces that step outside their classical symmetry, and when they did, they tended to be boutique-level creations intended for clients who appreciated daring aesthetics in precious metal. On the wrist, the watch sits like a piece of mid-century jewelry, more couture than industrial, yet with the quiet discipline and refinement that define the brand.

With its sculptured case, distinctive light silver honeycomb dial, and a fine Rolex mechanism with patented Super-Balance system, this gem fits in well on the wrist of an attorney, executive businesswoman, or any woman desiring to wear a true world-class wristwatch.

It has all of its original parts down to the dial, hands, and winding.

Its elegant, avant-garde 18K gold case is in excellent condition with only light wear and only fairly light signs of previous polishing.

Its textured dial is original and untouched, in excellent condition with only light aging.

Its high-grade Rolex movement is very clean.

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, installing a correct new mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $795 value).

We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping very accurate time.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new genuine lizard making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function and a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

Modern Rolexes can't match the charm and romance of this unusual vintage Rolex.

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 training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

Manufacturer: Rolex
Country of origin: Switzerland
Serial no.: Present but too light to discern numbers with certainty
Model: Ref. 8853
Year built: c. 1950's
Functions: Hours and minutes
Designed for: Women
Case material: 18K gold
Case markings (inside): Modele Depose, serial number
Case markings (inside): Rolex, Geneve, Suisse, 18K, 8853
Case condition: In excellent condition with only light wear and only fairly light signs of previous polishing.
Dimensions: 16mm wide at its widest point (excluding crown), 25mm long lug tip-to-tip
Dial: Light silver, honeycomb texturing, 18K gold applique faceted markers, original and untouched, excellent condition with only light aging
Hands: Original, faceted "alphas", gold
Movement type: High grade Rolex, manually wound, rhodium plated, 17 jewels, shock absorber, patented Super Balance, index regulator
Movement markings: Rolex Precision, 17 Rubis, Swiss, Patented Super Balance
Band: Genuine lizard, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
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, installing a correct 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. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping very accurate time.
Crystal type: Mineral glass, original, excellent condition with one small chip on the corner only visible under scrutiny using magnification
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 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
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

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