Lot #AN3222 – Rolex Precision Watch 9659 18k Yellow Gold

Estimate: $2,500.00 – $3,000.00

Oversized vintage gents 18k yellow gold Rolex Precision wristwatch, ref #9659.  Circa 1969.  Champagne Rolex dial with applied bar hour markers.  Swiss made, mechanical manual wind movement.  Inside of the case back is stamped MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA SWITZERLAND, 18k 0.750 gold hallmark, and the reference #9659 J.  Exterior of the case back is stamped with the Rolex crown coronet and the serial number 19XXXXX.   There is a hallmark on the outside of the top left lug and the bottom right lug.  Comes on a generic leather strap with generic tang buckle.  Approximate diameter is 34mm which was considered on the large side at the time.

The crystal has some crazing.   The watch has some areas of patina.  Has superficial scratches due to normal wear and age.  Overall condition is good.  Running at the time of inspection, however not checked for accuracy.  An overhaul is always recommended for used watches.

In 1905, Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, founded their company Wilsdorf & Davis Ltd.  In 1908, they registered Rolex and became Rolex Watch Co Ltd in 1915.  After moving their headquarters to Geneva, Switzerland, the company name was changed to Montres Rolex S.A. in 1920.  Rolex introduced the first waterproof Rolex Oyster in 1926.  The following year, Mercedes Gleitze swam for 10 hours across the English Channel wearing a Rolex Oyster.  Rolex invented the first self-winding automatic movement with rotor in 1931.  Rolex watches became popular in the fields of aviation, motor racing, sports, and expeditions.  Some notable models are the Rolex Datejust, the Rolex Explorer, the Rolex Submariner, the Rolex GMT-Master, the Rolex Day-Date (aka “President”), the Rolex Milgauss, the Rolex Lady Datejust, the Rolex Deep Sea Special, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, the Rolex Sea-Dweller, the Rolex Explorer II, the Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000, the Rolex Pearlmaster (aka “Masterpiece”), the Rolex Yacht-Master, the Rolex Yacht-Master II, the Rolex Deepsea, the Rolex Sky-Dweller, the Rolex Air-King, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, and the Rolex Cellini.