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ID #SA1213501
FOR SALE
£1,850
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Rolex Watch Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938
For sale by Chase Hattan Watches
for sale €2,165     $2,350
£1,850
Chase Hattan Watches

Chase Hattan Watches

Sellingantiques Verified Since Feb 2025
Browse dealers 42 items
  • About Us
    Specialists in vintage, military and luxury watches
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Id #SA1213501
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Rolex Watch Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938

1920 - 1940
Description

Rolex Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938

From a time before formal reference numbers and when a 26mm case was considered suitable for any wrist, this vintage Rolex from 1938 has truly stood the test of time. Crafted in 9ct rose gold and left intentionally unpolished, it offers a rare glimpse into Rolex’s early wristwatch history.

Measuring 26mm square, it is remarkable how well this watch has survived nearly a century. The dial, in an off-white to cream tone, retains excellent character and legibility, with bold Arabic numeral hour markers. Some gentle smudging and wear to the numerals is present, but this only enhances the watch’s authenticity. The dial overall displays a beautiful, warm patina that speaks to its age and originality.

Key Details

• Model: Rolex Vintage

• Year: 1938

• Case Size: 26mm (square)

• Case Material: 9ct rose gold

• Dial: Off-white / cream with bold Arabic numerals

• Hands: Metallic blue

• Crystal: Acrylic

• Movement: Manual wind

• Strap: Black leather strap

• Water Resistance: Not waterproof due to age

Condition Report

Case: Left unpolished and in very good vintage condition with honest wear consistent with age.

Dial: Original dial with attractive patina; minor wear to numerals but overall excellent survival for its age.

Hands: Original metallic blue hands complementing the dial beautifully.

Crystal: Acrylic with light age-appropriate wear.

Strap: Black leather strap fitted (non-original, chosen to suit the watch).

Overall: A genuinely original and well-preserved early Rolex.

Working Order

Manual-wind movement running reliably and performing well for its age.

Currently running at approximately +50 seconds per day, which is considered respectable for a watch nearing 100 years old.

Servicing can be arranged upon request, though the watch is working well as it is.

Our View

Early Rolex wristwatches like this are increasingly rare, especially examples that retain such dial integrity and character. The small square case, rose-gold construction and beautifully aged dial make this a truly special piece of horological history. More than just a watch, it is a survivor — and a wonderful example of Rolex’s earliest years on the wrist.

What’s Included

Presentation Pouch

Black leather strap

Insured shipping

12-month mechanical warranty

Physical Dimensions
Height
2.6cm (1.02")
Declaration

Chase Hattan Watches has dated this Vintage Rose Gold Rolex to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1213501
Dealers Internal Reference
CHW7023
Dealers Notes

Our in house watchmaker personally inspects every watch & only once a watch meets our high inspection standards is it ready for sale, All watches are sold with a 12 month guarantee.

Free next day UK delivery, fully insured. Worldwide fast shipping.

Description
Rolex Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938
“
From a time before formal reference numbers and when a 26mm case was considered suitable for any wrist, this vintage Rolex from 1938 has truly stood the test of time.
Chase Hattan Watches

Crafted in 9ct rose gold and left intentionally unpolished, it offers a rare glimpse into Rolex’s early wristwatch history.

fig 1. A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap.
fig 1. Rolex Watch Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938

Measuring 26mm square, it is remarkable how well this watch has survived nearly a century. The dial, in an off-white to cream tone, retains excellent character and legibility, with bold Arabic numeral hour markers. Some gentle smudging and wear to the numerals is present, but this only enhances the watch’s authenticity. The dial overall displays a beautiful, warm patina that speaks to its age and originality.

fig 2. A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap.
fig 2. Rolex Watch Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938

Key Details

• Model: Rolex Vintage

• Year: 1938

• Case Size: 26mm (square)

• Case Material: 9ct rose gold

• Dial: Off-white / cream with bold Arabic numerals

• Hands: Metallic blue

• Crystal: Acrylic

• Movement: Manual wind

fig 3. A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap.
fig 3. Rolex Watch Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938

• Strap: Black leather strap

• Water Resistance: Not waterproof due to age

Condition Report

Case: Left unpolished and in very good vintage condition with honest wear consistent with age.

Dial: Original dial with attractive patina; minor wear to numerals but overall excellent survival for its age.

fig 4. A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap.
fig 4. Rolex Watch Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938

Hands: Original metallic blue hands complementing the dial beautifully.

Crystal: Acrylic with light age-appropriate wear.

Strap: Black leather strap fitted (non-original, chosen to suit the watch).

Overall: A genuinely original and well-preserved early Rolex.

fig 5. A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap.
fig 5. Rolex Watch Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938

Working Order

Manual-wind movement running reliably and performing well for its age.

Currently running at approximately +50 seconds per day, which is considered respectable for a watch nearing 100 years old.

fig 6. A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap.
fig 6. Rolex Watch Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938

Servicing can be arranged upon request, though the watch is working well as it is.

Our View

Early Rolex wristwatches like this are increasingly rare, especially examples that retain such dial integrity and character. The small square case, rose-gold construction and beautifully aged dial make this a truly special piece of horological history. More than just a watch, it is a survivor — and a wonderful example of Rolex’s earliest years on the wrist.

What’s Included

Presentation Pouch

Black leather strap

Insured shipping

12-month mechanical warranty

Height
2.6cm (1.02")
Date of Manufacture

Chase Hattan Watches has dated this Vintage Rose Gold Rolex to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1213501
Dealers Internal Ref
CHW7023
Chase Hattan Watches
Chase Hattan Watches
Sellingantiques verified Since Feb 2025

Specialists in vintage, military and luxury watches

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Chase Hattan Watches Profile Page

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A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap.
1 / 12
Archive I A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap.

Rolex Watch Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938

Archive II A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap. View II
Archive III A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap. View III
Archive IV A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap. View IV
Archive V A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap. View V
Archive VI A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap. View VI
Archive VII A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap. View VII
Archive VIII A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap. View VIII
Archive IX A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap. View IX
Archive X A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap. View X
Archive XI A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap. View XI
Archive XII A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
Chase Hattan Watches

Chase Hattan Watches
Telephone 07722 352304
Location
Grays Market
Unit 177
58 Davies Street
Mayfair
London
W1K 5LP
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/chasehattanwatches
Verified Since Feb 2025
Items For Sale 42
Items Sold 118
Chase Hattan Watches
Chase Hattan Watches
Verified Since Feb 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Grays Market, Unit 177, 58 Davies Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 5LP, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/chasehattanwatches
Verified
Feb 2025
For Sale
42
Sold
118
A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap.
Rolex Watch Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938
Ref: SA1213501
A 1938 Rolex wristwatch featuring a 9ct rose gold cushion-shaped case, cream dial with Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
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Archival Detail

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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectWristwatches
  • Period1920 - 1940
  • StyleArt Deco
  • Material9ct Rose Gold, Leather, Glass
  • ColourRose Gold, Black, Cream
  • MotifsCushion case, Arabic numerals, Blued steel hands, Manual wind crown
  • SizeH 2.6 cm (1 in)

This 1930s Art Deco wristwatch takes the form of a vintage Rolex timepiece housed in a square cushion case made of 9ct rose gold. The hardware comprises an acrylic crystal, a manual wind crown on the side, and a black leather strap secured to the lugs. Underneath the glass sits a cream-toned dial displaying dark Arabic numeral hour markers, a minute track around the outer edge, and blued steel hands sweeping across the face. Signs of age include gentle smudging and minor wear on the numerals alongside a warm patina across the dial surface. The object measures 2.6 cm high. Individuals wear the watch on the wrist as an item of personal jewellery and horological history.

FAQs

During the 1930s, wristwatch design shifted towards geometric shapes, such as cushion and rectangular cases, moving away from traditional round pocket watch conversions.

Watches from this era frequently featured solid gold or silver cases, hand-wound mechanical movements, acrylic crystals, and leather straps.

Verification relies on inspecting internal movement markings, case back serial numbers, period-correct dial typography, and hallmark stamps on precious metal cases.

A cushion-case gold wristwatch pairs appropriately with formal tailoring, business attire, or elevated smart-casual outfits as a classic accessory.

Keep the watch away from water and magnetic fields, wind the mechanism gently at regular intervals, and have the movement serviced by a professional horologist every three to five years.
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