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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Rolex Gold Plated Pocket Watch with Sunburst Dial

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch by Rolex dates to approximately the 1950s and features a 47 mm gold-plated case. Its dial exhibits a segmented sunburst pattern in a grey and cream tone, complemented by bold black Breguet Arabic numerals, open-circle hands, and an inset subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. Inside, the manual-winding mechanical movement is listed by the seller as calibre 666 with 15 jewels, fitted beneath a plexiglass crystal.

Dial view of the Rolex open-face pocket watch showing the sunburst dial, Breguet numerals, and subsidiary seconds register
Dial view of the Rolex open-face pocket watch showing the sunburst dial, Breguet numerals, and subsidiary seconds register — Vintage Watch Specialist. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintagewatchspecialist.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
VWS3161
Source-reported date
c. 1950s
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Construction and Exterior Observations

The pocket watch is configured in an open-face style with a gold-plated case measuring 47 mm in width and fitted with a plexiglass crystal. A gold-toned bow and winding crown are positioned at the 12 o'clock marker.

The seller rates the condition as 9/10, but exterior case back engravings, serial markings, and internal casemaker stamps are not visible in the available imagery or provided record.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case Gold Plated”
  • “Width 47mm”
  • “Crystal Plexiglass”
  • “Gold-toned bow and winding crown positioned at the 12 o'clock marker”
  • “Condition 9/10”

Dial Design and Hand Execution

The dial is described in the seller specifications as grey and cream, displaying a sector-style segmented sunburst finish. Bold black Breguet Arabic numerals mark the hour positions around a concentric track, with 'SWISS MADE' positioned along the bottom edge.

Indications are provided by open-circle tipped Breguet-style hands, paired with an inset subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial Grey/Cream”
  • “Sector-style segmented sunburst dial with Breguet numerals and 'SWISS MADE' at the bottom edge”
  • “Open-circle tipped Breguet-style hands and a subsidiary seconds track at 6 o'clock”

Reported Movement and Catalogued Specifications

The watch is powered by a mechanical manual-winding movement. According to the seller's cataloguing, the movement is designated as calibre 666 and incorporates 15 jewels, with the power reserve listed as unknown.

Direct visual inspection of the movement is not possible from the single dial-side photograph provided, meaning calibre markings, finishing, and mechanical condition remain unverified independently of the vendor's listing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement Type Mechanical”
  • “Winding Manual”
  • “Calibre 666”
  • “Jewels 15”
  • “Power Reserve Unknown”

Dating, Model Identification, and Provenance

The seller lists the date of issue as approximately the 1950s, while formally designating the model reference as unknown. The watch was sold without original presentation box or accompanying papers.

Without documented movement or case serial numbers, this dating estimate cannot be independently verified against Rolex production records.

Evidence for this section
  • “Date of Issue 1950s (Approx)”
  • “Model Ref Unknown”
  • “Box/Papers No/No”

Open research questions

  • What reference number and case serial number are stamped inside the case back?
  • What specific base caliber or ebauche corresponds to the seller's 'Calibre 666' designation, and what markings are engraved on the movement bridges?
  • What metal base and plating thickness were utilized for the gold-plated case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Gold Plated Pocket Watch with Sunburst Dial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case MaterialGold Plated“Case Gold Plated”
Movement CalibreCalibre 666“Calibre 666”
Jewel Count15“Jewels 15”
Case Width47mm“Width 47mm”
Crystal MaterialPlexiglass“Crystal Plexiglass”
Date of Issue1950s (Approx)“Date of Issue 1950s (Approx)”
Model ReferenceUnknown“Model Ref Unknown”
Box and PapersNo / No“Box/Papers No/No”

Visible details

  • Sector-style segmented sunburst dial with Breguet numerals and 'SWISS MADE' at the bottom edge
  • Open-circle tipped Breguet-style hands and a subsidiary seconds track at 6 o'clock
  • Gold-toned bow and winding crown positioned at the 12 o'clock marker

Research qualifications

  • Model reference is noted as unknown by the seller
  • Case back exterior and movement are not visible in the provided photograph

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Rolex Gold Plated Pocket Watch - Sunburst Dial - Breguet Numerals - c. – Vintage Watch Specialist

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record e0ccc7ca59

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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