Rolex Art Deco steel gents vintage watch - c1940

This beautiful Rolex watch (Serial: 018051 Model: 1836) is not just rare, it is extremely rare. Rolex and the other top Swiss watchmakers made very few steel watches in this era and their rarity means they are invariably worth more than their 18ct gold counterparts. For instance, a steel Patek Philippe watch dating from 1940 will be worth double its 18ct gold counterpart. The same goes for Rolex. Not only is the watch extremely rare it is also in stunning clean condition.

Dating from 1940, during the late Art Deco period, the watch is in excellent clean condition - better than photographed - and features a large steel case (25mm wide, excluding crown x 40mm long, including lugs) for a watch from this era; they were usually smaller. lt also features an original winding crown (correctly unsigned for this era) a mint clean Art Deco dial and a freshly serviced hand-wound Rolex 15 jewel movement. It comes complete with a new high-grade Hirsch crocodile strap, a modern Rolex steel buckle and a new, quality non-Rolex presentation case. The watch makes a very impressive statement on the wrist, something a bit different with a history, and will only rise in value. The watch is even better in reality than photographed so we know someone is going to be very pleased to receive it.

The solid steel case is in excellent bright condition, with very minor wear (exaggerated by the macro camera lens), and is large for the era at 25mm wide, excluding the original unsigned winding crown x 9mm thick x 40mm long, including the lugs. The inside back of the case is signed 'RWC Ltd', 'SAR' and the Rolex coronet emblem. The outside back of the case is signed with the '018051' serial reference number, which dates the watch to 1940, and the '1836' model reference. The case does not carry a personal inscription.

The original dial has been professionally restored to original specifications (we know this from twenty years experience) some time earlier in its life and is in virtual mint clean condition. It is signed 'Rolex' and 'Swiss Made'. The original steel hands are in excellent unbent condition and the lens is very clear.

The hand-wound Rolex 15 jewel movement is in excellent, clean condition for a watch of this age - cleaner than the gloomy photo suggests - and is signed 'Rolex', '15 Jewels', 'For All Climates' and 'Swiss Made'. The movement has just been serviced by a master watchmaker and is in very good working order, with no issues.

We have put this lovely watch on a new high-grade Hirsch crocodile strap, which suits it perfectly. Attached is a modern steel Rolex buckle. The watch comes complete with a new non-Rolex watch case.

A rare, highly collectible vintage watch from one of history's most exclusive brands; will provide an excellent financial investment as well as a possession to enjoy.

You can feel confident buying from us - We offer a full refund if you are not entirely happy with your purchase. We also provide a full receipt, six months guarantee (long enough for you to assess the working order) and a professional insurance valuation (We are approved to provide insurance valuations for wrist and pocket watches). We also welcome you to come and view the watch at our central London address, in New Bond Street - by appointment only. We offer our customers online prices - below value - with offline availability and service.