Superb Rolex Oyster - Speedking Precision Ultra Prima Chronometer, fitted with a rare factory 18 carat case. This is the most sought after and rarest variant of the SpeedKing range the only one forsale globally at the time of listing. Bearing hallmarks for Glasgow dating the watch to 1937 - Keeping good time ready to treasure and enjoy!
It may not be well known, but the Oyster Speedking set the tone for wearable sport watches as distinct from the established dive watches of the day,
“The Speedking features only what it needs, and nothing it doesn’t. Because of that, there’s not much flash here, but a whole lot of substance.”
Speedking and yes for todays standards they are extremely small at 30mm excluding the crown, but the history of this line is definitely interesting with links to the race car driver Sir Malcom Campbell to the choice of Officers being held captive during WW2 in prisoner of war camps ( Rolex Magazine has a great article explaining that one) Right up to the fact Steve McQueen wore one in the Great Escape in 1963…. that in itself is usually enough to send people wild -
Vintage Rolex doesn’t get much better than this Speedking. From its aged silvered dial featuring raised gold gilt Arabic numerals to the quarters along with arrow indexes (Explorer Style) to its powerful pointed gold gilt ‘dauphine’ hands and chapter ring markers. Rolex SpeedKing Precision manual Reference 257 with a wonderful silvered dial carrying patina is one of the most desirable combinations and rarest of the SpeedKing range. The original case on this watch is 18 carat solid gold retaining the original Oyster signed crown/winder.
This Rolex SpeedKing is cool and especially hard-to-find being an early variant in solid gold.
The Rolex SpeedKing truly brings back the yesteryear of classic and simple vintage Rolex watches with a manual wound movement. The reference 257 was introduced in the mid 1930’s and and featured a screw-down crown and a removable bezel design. The reference also came in different dial configurations, but this one is particularly attractive because of the silver dial which carries wonderful patina and has raised gold gilt numerals to the quarters, which is reminiscent of highly sort after important Rolex vintage pieces from the same era. This is a great mid sized vintage Rolex for someone who wants something a little different.
The smooth chamfered solid gold bezel beautifully wraps around the Oyster case makes this watch a perfect size for someone yearning pure elegance. A brand new brown leather strap band finishes the package off and cements the presence of this timepiece on your wrist.
The Original Dial: This has an attractive appeal. Signed Rolex SpeedKing Precision Swiss, whilst the dial subtly exudes a class you can only find on a watch of this stature. Unique highly polished gold gilt Arabic numerals along with arrow markers set the dial, outer chapter ring features applied minute indices with aged lume plots sitting behind the hour markers. Original gold gilt pointed steel ‘dauphine’ hands with a subsidiary seconds dial at ‘6’ o clock in perfect order. Dial has marks commensurate with age and wear - Please observe photos carefully.
The Original 18 Carat Solid Gold Case/Bezel: 30mm (without crown), Steel polished case with an engine turned bezel and down turned lugs. The lugs remain sharp and characteristic showcasing the quality of Rolex’s reputation of making long lasting and iconic wristwatches. The condition of the case is solid for the age, has surface scratches commensurate with age and everyday wear. The Oyster case retains all the key attributes that makes this reference Rolex so desirable and proves to be a timeless piece of design and quality.
The Original Crystal: Good condition with some minor scratches not noticeable to the naked eye only under magnification.
The Original Case Back Cover Outer: Screw back milled edge solid gold case fits flush without any issues. Has scratches and x1 pin dent associated with polished precious metals commensurate with age and wear. Serial numbered is partially visible along with reference number 257
The Original Case Back Cover Inner: Signed OYSTER WATCH COMPANY GREAT BRITAN SWISS PATENTS FRENCH PATENTS USA PATENTS GERMAN PATENTS R.W.C LTD 18 750 bearing hallmarks for Glasgow dating to 1937. Period service markers present.
The Original Movement: Signed Rolex Chronometer Ultra Prima 18 Rubies Swiss Made. In good working order keeping good time.
The Original Crown: Signed Oyster Patent. Good working order however plating has worn to a metal finish commensurate with age.
The Aftermarket Strap Band: Recently fitted good quality leather strap band and steel buckle.
*Please observe photographs carefully as they form part of the description*
Please note this Rolex is over 68 years old. Shipping DHL/UPS insured registered post World wide shipping buyer responsible for any taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at destination port.
Additional information;
Maker: Rolex
Model: SpeedKing Precision
Material: Solid Gold
Dimensions: 30mm diameter excluding crown
Aftermarket Strap Band: Brand New - Brown colour
Lug Width: 17 mm
Box/Papers: No
Case: Steel
Crown: Oyster Crown.
Dial: Silver
Crystal: Plexi.
Technical specifications
Winding: Manual.
Movement type: Precision Manual.
Jewels: 18
Condition: Vintage condition with dial patina.
Model Reference Number: 257
Rolex offered the SpeedKing Precision watches from the 1940’s to the late 1960’s with several different variations, dials and movements. The Rolex SpeedKing Precision is one of the few Rolex watches equipped with a hand-wound mechanical movement. Rolex watches not only became the watches worn by the most influential people, they were also put to the test in the most extreme situations. Sir Malcolm Campbell wore one while breaking land speed records in Bluebell in 1935, as did the first pilot to break the sound barrier in 1947.
Sir Edmund Hillary wore an Oyster on the first ever summit of Everest in 1953, and this extraordinary feat began a series of Professional models, the first of which was the Oyster Explorer, based on the model Hillary wore. The present watch a
SpeedKing Precision ref. 257 circa 1937 channels the importance of Rolex’s effect on history in wonderful style and elegance.