Selection: Thevintageur x italianwatchspotter
CARACTÉRISTIQUES TECHNIQUES
Extremely rare Rolex Precision with an English 9K yellow gold case made by Shackman & Sons, Rolex A260 automatic movement inside, from the 1950s.
9K yellow gold case measuring 34mm
Black gilt dial with original Radium
Les mains originales
Rolex A260 automatic movement
ANALYSE
For vintage watch collectors, the distinctive “DS&S” and “Big S” hallmarks inside the case are a sign of excellent craftsmanship. This hallmark belongs to David Shackman & Sons (DS&S), a renowned case maker based in London. Specializing in high-quality gold, DS&S has supplied its creations to Swiss giants such as Rolex, Omega, and Longines, creating custom models for the British market. Their collaboration with Rolex, in particular, was strategic: by producing 9- and 18-karat gold cases for watches assembled in the United Kingdom, they helped mitigate heavy import duties. Their logo, initially “DS&S,” later evolved into the iconic “Big S,” which today is often found on casebacks alongside British hallmarks, a testament to an era of great quality and authenticity.
This Rolex Precision is therefore extremely rare and sought after by every discerning collector.
The dial is black gilt with gold graphics. In its extreme simplicity, it conveys a great purity of elegance and sportiness. A large section at 12 o’clock is occupied by the crown logo; just below is the Rolex Pepetual signature; at 6 o’clock is the word Precision. Along with the minute track are the typical gold pencil-shaped hour markers, which mark the hours. They are paired with a Radium dot, its warm ochre color remaining intact from the 1950s to the present day. The hands complete the classic design: they are leaf-shaped (also called “pseudo-Alpha”) and contain luminescent paste.
The case, the co-protagonist of this rare watch, features a very wide sloping bezel that protrudes from the top of the case. This same protrusion also forms the snap-on caseback, which has a very pronounced concave shape to accommodate the thick automatic caliber within. Finally, the beautifully applied lugs curve gently to embrace the wrist.
Inside the case and beneath the dial is the in-house A260 caliber. This self-winding movement with a bidirectional rotor was produced from the early 1950s until 1956. It has a diameter of 26.4mm and runs at 18,000 A/h.
