Vintage Watches UK

The Dial

The original and unrestored silver burst Calatrava dial is a joy to behold. It carries all the quintessential traits of luxury dress watch design in the 1950s, including recessed yellow gilt batons, elegant yellow gilt index hands and a perfectly balanced crosshair sub-dial with a matching yellow gilt seconds hand. As for the dials condition… simply superb. A beautifully smooth and even grain across the dials surface indicates the dials never been brutally handled or mistreated. The hands are straight and still rich in colour, despite having not been polished. Barely visible from arms-length is a small chip at 11:30, which is just noticeable under sharp direct light as the material exposed by the chip, like the dial, is also silver/grey. The dial is signed ‘Rodania’, ’21 Jewels’ with ‘Swiss Made’ below 6.

The Case

In keeping with the classic 1950s Calatrava dress watch style, the case here is very slim, with a smooth rounded back. The lugs are short, straight and slightly recessed, to place the dial ever so slightly in the foreground while being worn. The condition of the case is excellent, the bezel and tops of the lugs are sleek and elegant with only a small scuff at 5:30 to report. This watch still has its original crown fitted which has sharp teeth and feels tactile to operate. The case back is smooth with no significant damage to note. In fact, the 9ct Swiss hallmarks and case reference numbers inscribed on the case back are exceedingly clear and easy to read, indicating the watch has been treasured and cared for throughout its life. The case is of two-piece construction, and so the bezel and lens must be removed from the case-back and lugs to access the movement. Inside the case-back reveals UK import hallmarks, indicating that this case was made for the UK market in Switzerland.

The Movement

This watch uses a 21 Jewel, Swiss-Made Rodania movement. Inscribed on the movement are ‘Rodania’, ’21 Jewel Swiss Made’ and nothing else… To me this reveals that Rodania opted to use an ETA movement, as they have done countless times over their 90 year history. Being an outsourced movement, it is difficult to give Rodania credit for the craftsmanship here, but their high & harsh standards for mechanical watch performance no doubt pressured the contracted watchmakers to provide their best work. The watch winds and sets excellently with almost zero ‘play’ in the drivetrain between the crown and the hands. The seconds hand confidently flows around the sub-dial and doesn’t exhibit the erratic jumping you will see with a malfunctioning movement, or one overdue a service. I see no reason to assume that this watch wouldn’t serve its next wearer faithfully for many years to come, provided it is properly maintained.

Strap & Buckle

This watch is fitted with a black genuine leather strap and matching yellow gold-plated buckle. If a different strap would be preferred, I can fit an 18mm strap provided by the buyer at no extra expense.

Conclusion

I'm a private seller, not a company so unfortunately returns aren't an option, unless of course the watch is broken when it arrives. I may ship 1-2 days after I receive payment, as I work full-time, and may not find time to get the package away immediately.

Feel free to ask any questions.

Offers Welcome!