Rolex

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Not only nice old tool watches make me smile!

We, Rolex vintage collectors usually think about those great tool watches which made this brand famous for. I´m not an exception to the rule, but sometimes I feel that not looking around and exploring other variants, means missing part of the fun.

Of course, we usually associate our favorite brand with its strong and efficient water proof Oyster case, with its classic and sensual rounded shape and good heft, housing a reliable automatic movement inside.

Anyway, we find that in the past, Rolex made not only watches with a manual movement inside, but classic dress watches with non Oyster cases as well.

This is the type I am showing in this post. This watch got a rather thin non waterproof gold case, with its back closed by a lid locked just by pressure. This is a little watch that could easily compete in elegance and design, with other contemporary models offered by brands like Omega, Longines or IWC in their time, all timepices characterized by their discreet and most elegant shapes.

Rolex produced several references with this design philosophy in the past, and the present watch is representative of those lines.

And though I usually direct my search for new additions to my collection, to the classic Oysters, I couldn´t resist the looks of the beautiful night blue dial, as soon as I viewed it inside a vintage watch shop window.

This watch has the reference 9659, and is known as a Precision model, made circa 1964. Its case is 18K gold, with a 34 mm diameter, and houses a manual wind movement, caliber 1210 with 17 jewels.

A photograph from my files, of unknown source, will give an idea of this fine and reliable movement.

In some advertising from the time, Rolex described this model as an "Elegant Watch", and I find this description very well suited.

No doubt, the most attractive feature of this timepiece, is its dial, very difficult to photograph and get its true color, which I can describe as a dark night blue, with a "sun burst" surface, which plays with light reaching its surface.

Indexes and baton hands are made in gold, as well as the Rolex Crown emblem applied to the dial surface. Lettering is gold too, completing the general design of this beautiful dial.

I´m sure many collectors will find this watch too small, under the present day standards, but I personally find it very well suited for a formal dress requiring a low profile but elegant watch like this.

This watch came with its present lizard straps, which are not the original ones. I´ll be looking for a nice gold Rolex buckle to add to this set of straps, which I find appropiate to the style of this watch.

The excelent condition of this timepiece speaks about the care received by its original owner, who probably weared it only in special occassions. The movement is in perfect and clean condition, and works making honor to its inscription on the dial, with great "Precision".

I love to wear it from time to time, and enjoy very much the use of a manual winding. To wind a good watch has something of a rite, with the smooth working of its crown, and the beautiful sound you hear while turning it. That is part of the charm and enjoyment of an old watch like this one.

A different and affordable  to Rolex collecting.

I wish you´ll like my little "Elegant Watch" and thank you all for your kind attention.

Best cordial regards, Abel.

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