1942 Rolex “Raleigh” Stainless Steel. Total Restoration!
About the Item
- Creator:
- Case Material:
- Strap Material:Leather
- Case Shape:Round
- Movement:
- Case Dimensions:Height: 13 in (330.2 mm)Width: 30 in (762 mm)Diameter: 30 in (762 mm)
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1942
- Condition:Repaired: Complete Restoration New Crystal Professional Dial and Hand Refinish Case restored meticulously by generational watch maker Comprehensive mechanical overhaul New Watch Band. Replacements made: Complete Restoration New Crystal Professional Dial and Hand Refinish Case restored meticulously by generational watch maker Comprehensive mechanical overhaul New Watch Band. Polished. Wear consistent with age and use. Complete Restoration New Crystal Professional Dial and Hand Refinish Case restored meticulously by generational watch maker Comprehensive mechanical overhaul New Watch Band.
- Seller Location:Raleigh, NC
- Reference Number:
Rolex
While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.
Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.
But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.
But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.
Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.
The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.
Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Raleigh, NC
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Rolex Royal Precision, 1951, 15 Jewel Super Balance, Stainless SteelBy RolexLocated in Raleigh, NCToday's offering showcases this uncommon and original Rolex Oyster Royal model #6144 encased in stainless steel. Built only in the early 1950's, these watches are fine and desirable. A Style Note: The Rolex Oyster Royal was introduced in 1933 and was in production for over 20 years. It was part of the models nicknamed “Flatback” by collectors. It was the perfect alternative to the Bubbleback, for clients looking for a slimmer case and non-hooded lugs. Its contained diameter is largely compensated by the strong character these true vintage Rolex offer thanks to the incredible variety of dial configurations that was offered at the time. Some Historical Perspective: The Oyster Precision is one of the most straightforward watches Rolex has ever built. The watch is truly about representing the essentials only, with no added distractions. This example is fitted in a 32mm stainless steel case with a smooth bezel, so it actually wears a little larger than its measurement might seem. Vintage collectors often get caught up in the infinitesimal details that intrigue further and further as you dive in. Yet sometimes, a watch presents itself up and is simple elegance with pure, simplistic, undeniable greatness. The stainless steel Oyster case is already an iconic vintage look, but when you add in an interestingly finished dial, and a manual-wind movement, the watch suddenly becomes something to write home about. Translating from Rolex, the "Precision" branding indicates a manually wound movement, just as "Perpetual" points to a self-winding or automatic movement powering the watch. Rolex watches like this one are consistently compelling, never going out of style. The last word on the dial is, of course, "Royal." This is one we do not see all too often; it was phased out right around the early 1960s time frame. It's always nice to have a little uncommon detail like this. Even your pickiest collector friends will give this a royal "huh, that's pretty cool." THE FINE PRINT Maker: Rolex Unique Characteristics: "Royal" designation on dial Excellent Dial Condition Flat Back design Extremely robust and enjoyable, the Flatback both goes back to the roots of the Oyster case history and continues today to provide a huge satisfaction to its wearer. The 6144 was also one of the relatively few Rolex models to feature the short-lived Super Oyster...Category
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- 1947 Rolex Stainless Steel and Rose Gold, RestoredBy RolexLocated in Raleigh, NCBut first, I have a shameless plug! My shop was recently selected to supply vintage American watches for a premier movie starring some major a...Category
Vintage 1940s European Post-War Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose Gold
- 1934 Omega T-17 Stainless Steel SurvivorBy OmegaLocated in Raleigh, NCMy shop was recently selected to supply vintage American watches for a premier movie starring some major actors and a world famous director. They were looking for authentic watches that would represent the time period from 1915-1926. It is a true story of events that took place during the 1920’s. I have been an avid vintage watch collector...Category
Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
- 1960's Jaeger Lecoultre Stainless Steel RestoredBy Jaeger-LeCoultreLocated in Raleigh, NCJaeger- LeCoultre is a brand that needs no introduction. I am presenting to you a 1960’’s Jaeger LeCoultre that has been totally restored. It is a stunning survivor The Brand History of JLC or Jaeger-LeCoultre Of all the luxury watch brands, Jaeger-LeCoultre may seem like one of the more unattainable to the average buyer. Even in the pre-owned market, their models can be five figures. In addition, the sheer volume of models they develop annually is quite impressive. There are understandably a number of reasons a powerhouse brand like Jaeger-LeCoultre is intimidating at first glance. However, like many watchmakers, the brand comes from humble beginnings. Here, we’ll dive deeper into this storied company and help to make them a bit more accessible. It Started with Antoine LeCoultre Before Jaeger-LeCoultre became the brand we know today, it was simply a man named Antoine LeCoultre and his workshop. LeCoultre was an inventor and self-taught watchmaker. He founded his first workshop near the famous Jura Mountains in 1833. In the early years, LeCoultre contributed several pivotal inventions to the field of watchmaking. In 1844, he created a device that would forever change the industry. It wasn’t a watch or even an element of a timepiece. Instead, it was a tool called the Millionometer. The Millionometer was the first instrument capable of measuring a micron. It helped to refine the manufacture of watch parts and establish the metric system as the standard for watch measurement. Just three years later, he devised the crown winding system. This eliminated the need for keys to wind or set a watch. In 1851, LeCoultre and his inventions finally received the recognition they deserved. That year, London curated an event called the Universal Exhibition to celebrate the commencement of the modern age. Here, LeCoultre received a gold medal for his contributions to the field of watchmaking. In addition, Queen Victoria purchased one of his watches. As LeCoultre grew older, he brought his son, Elie, into the business. At the time, the Swiss watchmaking industry remained centralized around small workshops. However, Elie saw a vision for the future. He encouraged his father to grow the business into a larger scale factory. Soon, they became the first to establish in the illustrious Joux Valley. Jaeger-LeCoultre continues to reside here today. Expanding the company’s facilities allowed them to expand their work, and they began developing complicated movements. One of the most notable combined a repeater and a chronograph in a single piece. This work would later set the foundation for the brand’s coveted Grand Complications. Edmond Jaeger Completes the Brand Around the same time, a man named Edmond Jaeger set up a workshop in Paris and became the official horologist to the French Navy. Soon, he was developing ultra-thin movements and catching the attention of others in the industry. LeCoultre was intrigued and decided to approach Jaeger about a collaboration. Just after the turn of the century, the duo created the most remarkable ultra-thin caliber of the era. Eventually, Jaeger-LeCoultre would go on to use this Caliber 145 movement in its watches for the next half a century. Jaeger and LeCoultre continued to work together on projects over the next several decades. In 1925, the pair introduced the world’s smallest movement: the Caliber 101. With nearly 100 components, the movement shockingly only weighed about one gram. However, it wasn’t until 1937 that they officially formed a partnership and the Jaeger brand history began. What I am offering is a totally restore LeCoultre. The watch was presented to a European watchmaker for his meticulous care. The case was gently brought back to its original status. The movement was taken apart and assembled back with unwavering care to insure many years if operation. The dial was sent to a well know dial company to restore the faded dial to its original glory. The hands were carefully restored. I replaced the original crystal with a new old stock crystal. The crown is signed and is original to the watch. I have carefully crafted my reputation with vintage watches. This offering is rare and hard to find in this condition. The date if the movement puts the watch around the 1960’s Notice that it has no second hand, this makes it unusual in itself. The Case measures: 23MM from 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock 35.86 From Lug to Lug Look at the photographs as a visual description. I have worked very hard to carefully put back a masterpiece of a watch. I have fitted the treasure with a 17MM Crocodile watch band...Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- 1928 Art Deco Elgin 15 Jewel Survivor, Beautiful RestorationBy ElginLocated in Raleigh, NCWhat a beautiful watch. This 1920’s Men’s Elgin has been restored from the ground up. The 7 jewel movement purrs like a kitten and keeps accurate time. It has recently had a complete service to insure consistent reliability. This is a harder size to find, a 3/0 size and the coveted 15 jewel...Category
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold-filled
- 1942 Lord Elgin Caliber 559 21 Jewels. Christmas 1943By ElginLocated in Raleigh, NCApproximately 1942 model 4806A. 14 karat yellow gold filled “Lord Elgin” that has had a total restoration. You know me, I have to give some history to you better understand what you are looking at. The better you are informed, the more comfortable you will feel This is a caliber 559, 21 jewels. Look at the movement, it is so clean and none of the typical oxidation that usually creeps into movements that are 70+ years you. This is what has been completed with this watch Complete movement tear down service Dial was refinished back to original status The case was hand polished to bring out the luster of gold filled NOS crystal installed The case was ultrasonically cleaned to remove years of grime Genuine 14MM Alligator dark brown band (remember it is a Lord Elgin) In 1910, the Elgin National Watch Company pioneered its first wristwatch, leading ahead of other American watch companies. Elgin watches produced many of the self-winding wristwatch movements such as 607 and 618 calibres (bumper wind), and 760 and 761 calibres (30 and 27 jewels). Elgin watches also played a role in history during World War I and World War II. In WWI, the manufacturing site workers taught repair techniques to hundreds of U.S. military soldiers. While in WWII, Elgin began to craft timepieces and other watch parts for the military. Lord Elgin Watches are often made with gold plated cases and leather straps. This collection consists of classic dress watches for men, perfect for business and formal evening occasions. These watches come in different shape cases: square, circular, and rectangular. The style of Lord Elgin watch is very elegant and refined. Interestingly, no two models look similar to each other. Since I was young I’ve been around watches of all kinds. Everything from a $20 Swiss army watch...Category
Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold-filled
- Hamilton Raleigh Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch Ref Ref 759768By HamiltonLocated in Surfside, FLHamilton Raleigh manual wind watch in white gold fill on a calfskin strap. Auto w/ subseconds. 29 mm case size. Ref 759768. Fine Pre-owned Hamilton Watch. Certified preowned Vintag...Category
Vintage 1930s Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel, White Gold
- Rolex Oyster Raleigh Reference 3478By RolexLocated in New York, NYThis is a vintage 1942 Rolex Oyster Raleigh reference 3478. This watch is powered by a manual wind Rolex caliber 65 manual wind movement. The stainle...Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Steel Oyster Raleigh with Original Patinated Dial 1930's OysterBy RolexLocated in Long Beach, CAFACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Tudor STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Raleigh / Reference 4220 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1941 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Diameter 29mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels / Caliber Font 30 DIAL / HANDS: Silvered with Luminous Numerals / Blued Steel Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 16mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a rare little watch by Rolex. It is part of the Tudor series but it signed Rolex Geneve...Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
- Rare Antique Rolex Chronographe Stainless SteelBy RolexLocated in London, GBDating back to the 1940's this Rolex Chronographe in stainless steel is extremely rare. Featuring an original silver dial dial (which has aged over time) with features including a ch...Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- 2012 Rolex Watch is Stainless SteelBy RolexLocated in Austin, TXRolex Watch Stainless Steel This impressive Air King Rolex is in fantastic condition! With a smooth polish finish the stainless steel Rolex watch looks...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
- Rolex Explorer II 16570 Stainless SteelBy RolexLocated in London, GBA 40mm Explorer II by Rolex in stainless steel. Features a white dial with the date, a red 24-hour hand and a fixed bezel featuring a 24-hour display. Fitted with sapphire crystal, a...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Rolex: 13+ Expert Tips
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
Rolex Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know about Choosing the Right Watch
From understanding the models to choosing among vintage, pre-owned and new watches, here’s our expert advice on finding the best Rolex for you.