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Old 7 February 2022, 01:56 AM   #1
Toonces58
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Icon20 Rolex Jubilee Prince 1935

This is my first post EVER so be gentle. In honour of today being Queen Elizabeth's 70th Jubilee anniversary of ascending the throne I thought I would share pictures of my rarest Rolex. The Rolex Jubilee Prince of 1935 marketed/sold to commemorate the 25th (Silver Jubilee) of Elizabeth's father, King George VI.
Mr. Wilsdorf was undoubtedly one of the marketing geniuses of the 20th century but to my knowledge (correct me if wrong) this watch is the only limited edition model with production numbers stated ever marketed by Rolex.

The period advertisement provides all the details to verify the authenticity of this watch. "500 only sold in 1935, exquisitely fashioned Gold and Platinum case, officially tested in 5 positions and 3 varying temperatures over 14 days (ie 8 ways),free engraving and particularly pleasing to the masculine eye".

The watch I present here is crafted in a gorgeous 9k gold and platinum bezel (jeweller tested) case with fixed gold lugs. Why not 18 k for such an important piece? 9k gold was always popular in the English market and it was still the Great Depression when this watch was conceived. The exquisitely machined gold case is numbered 385, presumably 385/500. The case is hallmarked in Glasgow between July 1, 1934 and June 30, 1935. The thin platinum bezel and original bevelled crystal completely complement the silver highlights on the dial likely to reinforce the "Silver Jubilee" aspect of this piece. The original dial is unsigned perhaps this was left to the discretion of the retailer and customer. This watch was meant to be more about celebrating a beloved king than about Rolex per se. The original chronometer grade movement is marked Rolex Officially Tested in Eight Ways different from the usual adjusted to 6 positions usually seen in this era. The original "free" engraving on the back has been rather brutally removed but partially visible. I guess even in 1935 problems with the Ex were a thing LOL. Finally in direct sunlight the appearance of this watch on the wrist is stunning and certainly pleasing to this masculine eye!!

Any others out there?
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Old 7 February 2022, 04:25 AM   #2
Vlad
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Awesome watch and great supporting documentation. Thank you for sharing!


one small correction - George V, Elizabeth's GRANDfather
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Old 7 February 2022, 04:29 AM   #3
CTech
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Thanks for posting this stunning watch.

A minor correction to the history is in order though. The Silver Jubilee in 1935 was to celebrate the 25 year reign of King George V, the father of King George VI and so the grandfather of Queen Elizabeth II.

Apologies for the crosspost; typing while Vlad posted.
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