1940s Rolex Precision dress watch Ref 4578, 14ct solid gold, Stainless Steel back, recently serviced.
 
For sale we have a beautiful example of a circa 1946 Rolex Precision dress watch, reference 4578. The watch has been recently serviced, keeping time to +10 second a day.
The silver satin tone dial is signed with the Rolex name and crown logo at 12. The numeral configuration on the dial is very rare, with Arabic 9, 12, 3. It adds a beautiful balance to the dial, with the sub-second dial sitting at 6 O'clock. The Arabic numerals are separated by arrow shaped hour markers which are also uncommon and pleasing.
 
I have not seen another 4578 with this dial configuration. This sensational dial is completely original with a slight darkened patina.
 
The square case has beautifully formed tear drop lugs, unique to this reference. The case material is 14ct solid gold fronted, with a Stainless Steel case back.
The crown appears original as the tone matches the case, with a quality coin edge, fitting the proportions of the watch. In this period and earlier, Rolex didn't mark all of their crowns, especially on dress watch models.
 
The watch is on a new, genuine leather strap in a midnight blue colour. The strap maintains the original gold plated Rolex buckle, in very good condition.
 
Overall this is a beautiful example, in very good condition.
 Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial: 
Overall this dial is in excellent condition for the watches age. The silver satin tone dial is signed with the Rolex name and crown logo at 12. The numeral configuration on the dial is very rare, with Arabic 9, 12, 3. It adds a beautiful balance to the dial, with the sub-second dial sitting at 6 O'clock.
The Arabic numerals are separated by arrow shaped hour markers which are also uncommon and pleasing. I have not seen another 4578 with this dial configuration.
This sensational dial is completely original with a slight darkened patina.
 
Hands: 
The hands are original "Diamond" design hands and have some very limited corrosion/oxidisation. They are un-bent.
 
Glass: 
The crystal is original and is in very good condition.
 
Crown: 
Original crown, in very good condition.
 
Case:
In good condition, un-polished and with just very light surface scratches.
 
Caseback: 
The case back is stainless steel and is in very good condition. The Rolex crown is clearly visible at the top of the case back.
 
Strap: 
A new 18mm genuine leather strap in midnight blue, with the original gold plated Rolex buckle, in very good condition.
 
Movement: 
This is a beautiful manual wind Rolex movement with 17 jewels, recently serviced. Keeping time to within +10 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 280 degrees and a beat error of 0.5m/s.
 
Case dimensions: 
Case width: 26mm
Case width with crown: 27.5mm
Case length: 26mm
Case length lug to lug: 36.5mm
Case Depth: 8mm
Lug width: 18mm