Description
This is a model 971A 18k yellow & white gold “Tiger striped” Prince, case number 67893 bearing Glasgow import hallmarks from 1929, making this one of the very first of this iconic model.
The two tone “striped” flared model has always been the most desirable configuration of the Rolex Prince and this is a nice early one. It has a lovely original dial, which is two-tone silver with black enamel quarter hour Arabic numerals and text, large subsidiary seconds dial and the three hands are all blued steel. These dials remain pristine for ages, as they are made by the same method used on 18/19th Century pocket watches – the dial is a plate of sterling silver and all the indices and text are then engraved into the surface of the dial plate – the entire dial is then given a frosted finish and when this is dry the engraved indices and text are filled with black enamel, then the whole dial is fired in an oven to set the enamel. This method of dial production means that the indices and text are an integral part of the dial and cannot ‘wear off’ as printed text can, over time.
The movement is signed chronometer, and is also engraved “Timed to 6 positions ”, “Ultra Prima” and “Chronometer ”; the highest grade possible, in a Prince. The movement itself is the rare 18 jewel version with a capped endstone and is still fitted with the usually discarded protective balance bridge – this protected the balance from inept watchmakers who would catch the balance when they tried to lever the case open .
The case is in excellent condition and there are no signs of any case repairs at all. As expected the numbers inside the case top match those on the outside of the case bottom. The case has Glasgow import 18k hallmarks inside the case top as well as inside the case bottom. The original domed and faceted glass has some scratches which can be seen in the accompanying photographs and images; it can be replaced if the purchaser wished, but it is so rare to get one of these with the original glass, particularly on a 92 year old watch, that I have made the decision to leave it.
The watch comes in a vintage Rolex box from the same era, which has some damage at the hinge end, but this is invisible when the box is closed.
£13,500.00 (approx. $18,250.00 US)
