Rolex – Oyster Precision Ref. 1002 Original 1947 California Dial Watch – Cal. 740 ON HOLD / RISERVATO

This Rolex Oyster Precision ref. 1002 in stainless steel with a gold fluted bezel dates to 1947. The “California” style dial — this one with bold arabic numerals and Caloifornia-dial cardinal indexes, — is a period reprint of proven age: the lume is radium, and the dial has developed an even patina with a very light spiderweb. This type of ageing cannot be reproduced artificially and confirms the dial’s age as consistent with the watch.

The stainless steel Oyster case measures 34.5 mm. The gold fluted bezel and gold Oyster screw-down crown are original. The screw-in caseback carries the correct manufacturer’s hallmarks, serial number, and reference number. The case is in very good condition. The plexyglass is new.

The dial is in fair to good condition — the radium lume on the applied numerals has aged evenly, and the light spiderweb across the surface is uniform. The hands are original.

The movement is the Rolex Calibre 740, a manual-wind movement. It has been serviced and is running strong.

The Rolex Calibre 740 is from the 700 series, manufactured by Aegler in Bienne and introduced in the mid-1940s. It belongs to the 10½-ligne family — the larger-diameter movement series with the the “Superbalance” designation indicating the monometallic balance wheel — a single-metal balance that replaced the earlier bimetallic (cut-compensating) balance, offering improved thermal stability and greater resistance to position errors.

The Cal. 740 was produced into the early 1950s.

The watch is fitted with a new leather strap.

This watch has been serviced in-house and is in good working order. It is delivered with our six-month guarantee and our originality certificate. Worldwide shipping is available and inquiries are welcome.