Dial: black lacquer underlineCalibre: cal. 1520 automatic, 26 jewelsCase: stainless steel Oyster, pointed crown guards, screw-down crown and backCase number: 984'033Dimensions: 39mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: none

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. CASE: In very crisp condition with bevels to the edges, with signs of wear, and light polishing. The band with some wear. Lug holes with wear to the outer edge. Case back with surface wear, some very minor signs of opening, inside the case back stamped for 1963. DIAL: In nice and original condition with spots of lume throughout. The lume reacts well under UV. The lume to the hands is later. The dial has reacted with age giving an attractive patina and texture. Hands in good condition. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

In the early 60s Rolex took the decision to halt their use of radium in their dial making and began using tritium in its place. During the initial transitional period, and prior to the introduction of other demarcations, Rolex indicated the presence of tritium with an underline, seen on the present lot, beneath the Rolex signature. Of course these underlines were phased out in favour of the 'T' indications that would sit beneath 6 with the SWISS signature. As such however their production was limited and they are very difficult to find today, a factor that makes them highly prized and very collectable.  Further to this the dial features gilt print on a lacquered plate, a beautiful vintage attribute that is sure to please collectors.  The lume has also aged adopting a wonderful sepia tone that it perfectly matches by the hands. What is more, while tritium was less radioactive then radium, it was hardly inert. As such the lacquer has reacted oxidising slightly adding texture to the dial. It is fair to say then that in this respect the dial is entirely unique. 

Another feature hugely sought-after is the pointed crown guards flanking the crown. These are the third iteration of guards that Rolex used and perfectly coincides with the watches date of manufacture. Produced in 1960 they succeeded the quaintly named 'eagles beak' guards and were replaced themselves in 1964 by the rounded guards that are still present on current models.