A scarce and magnificent looking Rolex Prince Railway ref 1527 circa 1935. Featuring an extremely rare 18K bicolor white and rose gold stepped Art Deco design case, with magnificent restored 2 tone salmon dial, and fitted with a Gay Frères, Rolex signed SS and pink gold rice link bracelet with deployant clasp. Powered by Rolex’s “Utra Prima”, “Officially Tested in Eight Ways” 17 jewel manual wind movement with balance bridge protector intact. With signed original winding crown.

Featuring a very sharp condition case without obvious wear or damage to the top or sides of the case, and with very distinct case edge hallmarks. The case shows no wear through or repair to the case. The caseback bears the model reference #1527 and the early case serial # of 6922. The case back engraving does show wear with numbers worn, but still readable.

Recently serviced by one of our veteran watchmakers and offered with our 1 year warranty of accurate time keeping and operation.

Background and Personal Notes

The Rolex Princes, also referred to as doctor’s watches, were among the most sought after of all vintage Rolex models during the 1980’s and 1990’s. The much sought after rectangular shape, the larger size, the lore of the duo dial feature, the Art Deco design all contributed to the various Prince models achieving celebrity status among vintage watch afficionados. Of course it is common knowledge now, that the larger steel sport models, the Daytonas, Explorers, GMT’s, Submariner and Seadwellers have long since assumed the dominant position in the collector’s landscape.

We have handled many Rolex Princes in our 40 years of collecting and dealing in vintage Rolex watches. We have not owned one in years, as they are mostly tucked away in collections. We don’t recall ever owning one as beautiful as this example. And while the dial is refinished, it is nonetheless an absolutely stunning watch. Similar models were made in various bi metal combinations, steel and gold, 9K and 14K, but to find one in 18K, in the most desirable combination of white gold and rose gold is truly remarkable!

The current example Railyway Prince is accompanied by an equally magnificent Rolex steel and rose gold beads of rice bracelet manufactured for Rolex by Gays Frères. This bracelet is more typically associated with Bubbleback models from the 1930’s and 1940’s, but is magnificent paired with this watch. The bracelet is in excellent condition without the corrosion or stretch often found on these bracelets. Furthermore, the bracelet  is quite long and will comfortably fit a 7 1/2 inch wrist. The expression “the whole is worth more than the sum of its’ parts” we think is very apropos here, as the combination of this magnifcent watch and highly sought after bracelet, each enhance the other.

Similar examples of this model can be found in two classic books, “Orologi Rolex” and “Signori del Tempo.” Additional historical notes can be found by Googling Rolex Railway Prince ref# 1527.