This example here is in 18K Yellow Gold and dates to 1970.
It features a very rare caramel brown "Havana" dial which is in excellent condition. The white printings on the dial are perfectly visible and they "disappear" or fade away with the background of the dial under certain angles and light conditions which is known as 'ghost' dial amongst collectors. The lume plots have aged to a warm creamy patina and the hands are matching perfectly.
The thick and even 18k yellow gold case is excellent showing a bright sleeve polished finish with very little signs of wear from use. The 18k yellow gold bezel is sharp too, showing only light wear from use. The case back remains in the same condition, sharp and little signs of use. The inner case back has the correct hallmarks.
The watch comes on its original Rolex 18k yellow gold Swiss rivet Oyster bracelet is excellent with 76 end links and 4/72 date stamped on the clasp which presents slight stretch. It has been fitted and two links removed (which are included in the sale too). It now fits from a 15cm wrist to a 17cm one.
The watch is running great and keeping time, having probably passed its last service in 2015 as shown in the watchmaker’s inscriptions on the inner case back.
The caramel brown of the dial and the warm slightly rosy gold tones of the case play off each other in such a remarkably beautiful manner, making this variation such a stunning rarity.
