Rolex Precision 'Giudici Milano'

Whether it's a $3,000 dress watch or a $75,000 Daytona, all sides of the vintage Rolex spectrum appeal to us equally. 

Take for example, the ‘Precision’ line and ‘Chronomètre’-signed watches. ‘Precision’ in Rolex nomenclature often describes a non-chronometer certified movement — however, it also encompasses a midcentury line of small, hand-wound dress timepieces in steel or precious-metal cases. A watch signed ‘Chronomètre’ is one of a similar build and dimensions, but outfitted with a chronometer-signed movement. Straightforward yet refined, both types of watches are perfect entryways into the often-overwhelming world of vintage Rolex.

This particular ‘Chronomètre’ is doubly interesting, as it’s doubly signed, having been retailed by Giudici Orologeria in Milan in the 1930s or 1940s.

Housed in a 34mm yellow gold coin-edged case with an acrylic crystal and a polished bezel, it features a salmon-colored dial with applied stylized ‘Arabic’ indices in white gold with a matching thin 'pencil' handset, an outer ‘railroad’ minute track, a radial finished running seconds sub-register at 6:00, and the ‘Rolex Chronomètre’ and ‘Giudici Milano’ signatures.

Powered by a hand-wound, chronometer-certified movement, this gorgeous Rolex dress watch is not only handsome enough to rival a Patek Philippe Calatrava, but is also historically important, dating as it does to a time when Rolex allowed its most important retail partners to advertise themselves on Rolex watch dials.

With its timeless and endlessly appealing looks - combined with extensive pedigree, this is a great opportunity to snag an excellent heirloom quality timepiece from one of the very best in the business - and its suitable for virtually any wrist!

These are seriously cool watches and are few and far between - so don't sleep on it!

Though much younger than many of its heavy-hitting horological cousins, Rolex has been at the fore of contemporary watch design virtually since its inception in 1905 by founder Hans Wilsdorf. A veritable marketing genius, Wilsdorf understood the power of story, associating his watches with the most notable and intrepid athletes, explorers, soldiers and politicians of the 20th century. His efforts were clearly successful: Today, the word “Rolex” is nearly synonymous in the minds of millions around the word with “watch.”

From the early waterproof Oyster case of the 1920s through to the ultra-complicated Sky Dweller of today, Rolex models and innovations have captivated a global audience and permeated the zeitgeist unlike those of any other brand. Whether it’s a simple, time-only Air King, a function-first Submariner or a complicated GMT Master II for the jet set, a Rolex commands a certain respect on the wrist and says something about the discerning eye of its owner.

From the swimming of the English channel in 1927 to the scaling of Mt. Everest in 1953, Rolex watches have been associated with adventure for the better part of a century. Despite its association since the 1970s more with luxury and status than with commando operations behind enemy lines or sporting achievements, Rolex still makes one of the most robust timepieces available on the contemporary market. And the company continues to support scientific endeavors around the world.

Interestingly, for most of the firm’s history, Rolex largely did not produce its components in-house, including its movements. (Indeed, hand-wound Daytonas sold today at auction for eye-watering prices feature run-of-the-mill Valjoux movements that feature in watches from hundreds of other brands). It wasn’t until the early 21st century that Rolex became the vertically integrated manufacturing behemoth that it is today, purchasing everything from movement manufacturers to bracelet companies. (Notably, the Crown even forges its own gold.)

Whether one is attracted to the rich history of the brand or simply finds its products notable from an investment perspective, Rolex is a company whose wares are guaranteed to remain a benchmark for horological quality forever.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.