Rolex 1929 Rare Gents Vintage Watch, Recent Service, Beautiful Dial 30.5mm Case

Reference 2318 vintage Rolex wristwatch is a handsome smaller sized in modern standards steel manually wound gents wristwatch. Recently overhauled by a master horologist, in excellent running order keeping accurate time ready to treasure and enjoy! This is an absolutely cracking vintage Rolex watch. The ultra rare sort after original silvered dial is absolutely superb in outstanding condition. The unique raised gold gilt Arabic numerals add a great contrast to the main dial surface with the steel blue hands having a wonderful grandeur appearance. Applied Rolex signature to dial.

The rare model reference'2318' a scooped bezel with a very rare down turned lug case which contrasts with the majority of other Oyster models from the period which tended to have chamfered or rounded bezels. The Oyster winding crown is typically mid 1940's in style and the snap on case back is bearing serial numbers and the reference number. The inside case back (shown in photos) is stamped Rolex 25 World's Records. The movement is a high grade Rolex manual wind with 17 Jewels with lever escapement.

Silvered dial with gold gilt raised Arabic numerals. Minute markers to outer chapter ring. Wonderful elegant steel blue hands which contrast well with the sub centre seconds hand. The dial is in excellent condition and was subject to a full restoration by one of best dial restorers in the country (Bill & Sons) where the dial was professionally brought back to its former glory.

Original Movement: Signed Rolex 17 Jewels Swiss made For All Climates. In any field, be it vintage wristwatches, period motorcars or antique fishing reels, there are definite classics that are universally acknowledged to be key units that are of the utmost historical significance. The movement in this watch, Rolex's 10.5 ligne (the ligne is the unit of width measurement traditionally used in the Swiss watch industry) Hunter, fits into this revered category perfectly, and is, without doubt, the most important mechanism that the company has ever created. Launched in 1923, the hand wound Hunter was the movement that replaced the venerable Rebberg that had powered the firm's officers' watches of the World War I era.

It was the mechanism fitted to the first waterproof Rolex Oyster model of 1926 and, quite remarkably, remained in production until 1969. This long manufacturing span wasn't in any sense because Rolex rested on its laurels in terms of innovation and research, far from it, but simply because the Hunter was so right from its first moments that there really wasn't any feasible way of revising it. This movement has been fully overhauled by a Rolex specialist watchmaker and keeping accurate time.

Original Case: Very clean with a polished finish. Sharp lugs in great condition. Case is 30.5mm without the crown, 32.5mm with the crown, height is 36.5mm and 17mm between the lugs. Case has surface hairline scratches associated with polished stainless steel commensurate with everyday wear and age. Overall good condition for age.

Original Case Back Cover Inner: Signed Rolex 25 World's Records Geneva Swiss. Original Case Back Cover Outer: Fits flush without any issues. Bearing reference 2213 with the serial numbers 20038 dating the watch to 1929 on the Rolex date register.

Has surface hairline scratches commensurate with age and wear, there are no deep scratches or dents. Crown/Winder: Unsigned Crown as it was back in the 20's on most models. Sits flush with case and sets/winds smoothly.

Original Crystal: Domed plexiglass in good condition for age. Strap/Buckle: Has been fitted with a brand new unauthentic aftermarket good quality leather strap and steel buckle. Please observe photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

Please note this Rolex is over 80 years old. Diameter excluding crown: 30.5mm. Length including lugs: 36.5mm.

Depth to centre of crystal: 11mm.