For sale we have an uncommon 1934 Rolex Stainless Steel Calatrava case style, Reference 2318. Very few of this petite reference come up for sale. It measures 30.5mm x 30.5mm, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 36mm. The case as a polished bezel, with brushed tops of the lugs and sides of the case. It has a quality restored silver bow-tie dial. It has a mix of a silver satin and brushed champagne tone finish, creating a beautiful contrast. It has the original diamond style hands in a silver tone. The snap on back has the reference 2318, with the serial number clearly displayed. Inside, it is signed ‘Rolex 27 Records Universels’ ‘Geneve-Suisse’. Inside is a 15-jewel manual wind Rolex calibre, which has been serviced. 
 
Most examples of this reference appear to have restored dials. We tend not to offer watches with restored dials, but when the quality is such as this example, we make exceptions. The bow-tie finish is perfectly executed with the silver satin sectors to the top and bottom, with the brushed champagne tone to either side. The black Arabic numerals are well executed, with the simple railroad track. The dial is simply signed Rolex below 12 O’clock, with the inset sub-second dial at 6 o’clock.
 
We enjoy the compact Calatrava style case, formed fully of Stainless Steel. It has a pleasant balance, with the notched snap on bezel, smooth central section with lightly tapered lugs. The curved smooth case back to the rear neatly rounds it off. The brushed sides of the case, top of the lugs and sides of the bezel, contrast with the polished front of the bezel and case back. 
 
The movement is a 15-jewel manual wind calibre with super-balance. It has been recently serviced and is keeping time to within +90 seconds a day.
 
A rarely seen and neat reference, with a beautiful dial finish and a Calatrava style case. What’s not to enjoy?
 
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial: 
The dial is a high quality restoration which is well executed, with the correct bow-tie finish, period Arabic numerals and Rolex font. It has no signs of wear and is fresh.
 
Hands: 
The hands are original, of diamond style. They have a good silver tone, with some marking associated with ageing. 
 
Glass: 
The acrylic crystal is a replacement and is in good condition with no marking.
 
Crown: 
The crown on this reference is unsigned. It appears to be correct to the reference, or is perhaps a well matched replacement.
 
Case:
The case is Stainless Steel and is in decent condition. It has had the brushed finish re-done in the past on the top of the lugs and the sides. It shows no bezel overhang, whilst the drilled lugs are good. The bezel has a brushed outer finish with a polished top. There is a mark from wear against the crown, where the bezel has been placed on wrongly throughout the watches life. There are some shallow nicks to the right hand side.
 
Caseback:
The case back is formed of steel and is in good condition for the age. It is a snap on back. It appears unpolished, with light surface scratching associated with age. It snaps on tightly and has clear engraving to the exterior. 
 
Strap: 
The watch comes on a modern leather strap, with is non-Rolex, with an unbranded buckle.
 
Movement: 
The movement is a 15-jewel manual wind Aegler based Rolex calibre with super-balance.
 
The movement has been recently serviced. It’s keeping time to + 90 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 200 degrees and a beat error of 5.6 m/s.
 
Case dimensions: 
Case width: 30.5mm
Case width with crown: 32.25mm
Case length: 30.5mm
Case length lug to lug: 36mm
Case Depth: 9.5mm
Lug width: 16mm