While many vintage Rolex collectors are well-acquainted with the iconic Rolex Prince, far fewer are familiar with its elegant counterpart, the Rolex Princess as featured in the original 1930 Rolex advertisement as seen in this listing. The Prince and Princess models were often marketed as his and hers sets, typically purchased by affluent couples, as owning a Rolex Prince was a privilege reserved only for the well-to-do. In today’s world, Rolex watches, while undeniably expensive, are far more attainable for the wider public, with greater disposable income, finance packages and access to luxury goods than ever before. However, back in the 1930s, owning a Rolex, particularly a prestigious model like the Rolex Prince or Princess was a privilege reserved for the truly wealthy. These timepieces were marketed as precision instruments for professionals and aristocrats, and their cost placed them well beyond the reach of the average individual. To afford a Rolex Prince/Princess in that era, you had to be properly rich! — a member of society’s upper echelon. Exploring the evolution of Rolex timepieces reveals a fascinating narrative, particularly when examining the development of the female Rolex archetype. This journey through design, marketing, and cultural shifts naturally brings us to a pivotal moment in horological history
On offer is a wonderful Vintage Manual wind Ladies watch housed in a 9 carat white Gold case featuring ‘Greek style’ pattern to the sides retaining the original crown. The original dial has the much sort after bow - tie design pattern making this a true treasure from horology’s most famous name bearing import hallmarks for Glasgow denoting the letter i dating to 1931. Fitted with a period correct corded and gold plated bracelet which attached to the solid rose gold collars/shoulders of the case. The generic bracelet fits a Ladies wrist circumference up to 7 inches, can be worn loose on a smaller wrist. This watch is powered by a movement made exclusively for this model by Rolex. It has benefited from a service by a Rolex specialist watchmaker and is in good running order, keeping good time. A wonderful timepiece, ready to be treasured and enjoyed!
A practical, accurate and reliable timepiece to use for evening wear, on a regular basis, as you so wish. The case is fitted to a wonderful chain link bracelet which glides on your wrist in pure style and comfort, featuring a unique design.
The Original Dial: Silvered 2 tone bow - tie dial with beautiful period patina. Signed Rolex below ‘12’ and has Swiss Made at the very bottom. A unique silvered dial carries Arabic numerals with blue steel hands which are in good condition for the age. Chapter ring featuring minute indices. Dial has patina and marks all over commensurate with age and wear. Please observe photographs.
Original Crystal: Good condition for the age.
Original Movement: Signed Rolex Princess 17 Rubis Swiss Made, which confirm this movement was exclusively made for this model - Rolex went to considerable trouble and expense to ensure its small Calibre series movements performed equally as well as its larger gents movements, and they succeeded! These are indeed high precision movements and the example here is running beautifully.. – The high grade 17 jewelled manual -wound movement is clean and has been serviced by an expert vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker with no issues to report. This particular movement with care and regular servicing, say every 3 to 4 years, one can expect this watch to continue to run very happily for many more decades to come!
Original Case: The baguette shaped case has hooded lugs and attractive angular, polished facets on the bezel, encrusted with diamonds. It has a "Greek style" pattern to the sides. The case shoulders are 9 carat rose gold . The unique case is of a very solid two-piece design with a wonderful bezel to improve water and dust resistance. Solid 9 carat white Gold case measures 11mm x 29mm in length excluding the crown. Has surface hairline scratches associated with precious polished metals commensurate with age and wear.
Case Back Cover Outer: The press fit case-back clicks into place with a firm and satisfying ‘pop’, indicating it is a nice tight fit and is of full thickness, having never been inscribed. Bearing the serial number 4790 and reference 1547. Has surface hairline scratches associated with precious polished metals commensurate with age and wear. Please see photos.
Case Back Cover Inner: Inside the case-back is signed Rolex 25 Worlds Record Geneva Suisse R.W.C Ltd (Rolex Watch Company Ltd 9.375 bearing import hallmarks for Glasgow denoting the letter ‘I’ dating to 1931. Good condition. Period service markers present.
The Original Crown/Winder: The highly ornate original crown looks in excellent condition and winds and sets smoothly. In good functioning order.
The Corded Steel L Bracelet: Complementing the watch really well is a period correct bracelet. It has a aftermarket steel gold plated clasp and will accommodate a wrist size of about 7 inches (175mm) down to a small. There are hairline scratches associated with base plated metals commensurate with age and wear. Overall in good solid condition for the age.
*Please observe photographs carefully as they form part of the description*
Please note this Rolex is over 94 years old. Shipping DHL insured registered post World wide. Buyer responsible for any taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at destination port.
Additional Information;
It is not quite so well known that Rolex was actually founded in the UK in London 1905 and it was not until 1919 that the company transferred its base of operations to Geneva, Switzerland. It is also a misconception that the world of luxury watches is a gentlemans one, as the first recorded wristwatch was actually designed for a lady. In June 1810, Abraham-Louis Breguet made a watch for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples. For many decades, women have proudly worn Rolex watches and have been integral to the brand’s success…
Rolex went to considerable lengths and expense to ensure its smaller caliber series movements performed equally as well as its larger gents Precision movements – and they succeeded! These are indeed high precision movements and the example here is running perfectly, having been calibrated to run consistently.