A coin edged gold case and a perfect Rolex Precision dial, co branded by H.L Brown & Son, this is the larger 34mm case. Very desirable.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the 1215 Rolex movement dates from 1953, so we know the movement was made then. The case is engraved for 1954, so we know it was probably given to William Best then by Tennant Brothers brewery of Sheffield, England.
CONDITION
The watch is in wonderful condition. Let’s first do some history though. Rationing was still in place in England until July 1954, so there were high import taxes on luxury items like gold watches. What usually happened was Swiss brands would send the movements to England to be cased by either Dennison or, as in this case, DS&S. We can not decipher the year hallmark on the caseback sadly, but it clearly states 9k gold.
The co branded, or double signed dial is rare among Rolex. When you do see a double signed dial the other name is usually Tiffany & Co or Cartier as the retailer. A good article on these can be found here. H.L Brown and Son Ltd are an established Sheffield jewelers, who continue to be a Rolex stockist today, but we have not seen another Rolex with their name on. We will be contacting them to learn more if possible.
This actual watch in in great condition. Being picky, the engraving on the BES of Best is a little shaky, and the crown has lost some gold plate. There is also a slight kink on the top left lug. The dial is superb and 100% original. The photos show both the Speidel expanding strap the watch arrived on, which is clean enough to look unused, and a Hirsch purple leather strap we picked to show what the watch looks like on leather. Most people will prefer a brown or black leather strap, which is not a problem. The coin edging on the case is a nice extra that isn’t normally seen, and the size is larger than the more common 32mm case.
This watch will be supplied with a presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video below for more detail.
SIZE
Width with crown 35.1 mm
Width without crown 33.9 mm
Between lugs 17 mm
Lug to lug length 41.1 mm
Bracelet maximum length n/a
Thickness 9.5 mm
All sizes are approximate
PRICE
£SOLD including 6 months guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us.
