B&S Case Solid 9ct Yellow Gold Ladies Tudor Mechanical Watch Vintage Late 60s

Overview:

This exquisite Tudor ladies wristwatch, encased in 9k gold, is a fine example of the brand’s dedication to elegance and precision. Tudor, a sister brand of Rolex, is renowned for producing high-quality timepieces, and this vintage model is no exception. Perfectly suited for a lady with a taste for classic sophistication, this watch combines understated beauty with reliable mechanics.

Case:

Material: 9k yellow gold 

Dimensions: approximately 25mm diameter (excluding crown)

Case Shape: Round with smooth, polished edges

Case Back: Snap-on case back, securely fitted and hallmarked

Hallmarks: Swiss hallmarks indicating 9k gold, along with Tudor branding 

As a gold case maker for Rolex, B&S refers to Benjamin Henry Britton and Sons (often shortened to B.H. Britton & Sons or B&S) of Birmingham, which was indeed a British case-making firm known for supplying watch cases to various companies, including

Rolex. During the early 20th century, Rolex outsourced some of its watch case production to reputable British case makers, and B.H. Britton & Sons was one of the firms entrusted with this responsibility. 

Role in Rolex Case Production

Rolex’s Strategy in the Early 1900s: Rolex, founded in 1905, initially focused on movement quality and timekeeping accuracy, relying on trusted casemakers to produce high-quality cases. As a Swiss-based company with strong ties to the UK, Rolex often sourced cases locally when selling watches in the British market, both for logistical reasons and to meet British import regulations on Swiss gold.

Quality craftsmanship: B.H. Britton & Sons was known for creating cases with excellent craftsmanship and durability, which aligned well with Rolex’s standards. These cases were typically made from precious metals, such as gold or silver, to reflect the luxury and quality that Rolex aimed to convey even in its early years.

Hallmarks and Identification: Many B&S cases crafted for Rolex have British hallmarks and are stamped with “B&S” on the inner case back. These markings help collectors and historians trace the origin of vintage Rolex cases to B.H. Britton & Sons. The British hallmarks also often include date stamps, which allow for precise dating of these cases.

Collectible Value: watches featuring Rolex movements in B&S cases have become collectible over the years due to their historical significance. They represent an era when Rolex collaborated with regional artisans to create robust, high-quality timepieces tailored for specific markets.

Historical Significance: B.H. Britton & Sons’ role in creating cases for Rolex highlights the brand’s early growth period and its connections to British watchmaking. This collaboration is part of the larger history of Rolex’s evolution from a company focused on precision to one that would eventually bring case production entirely in-house as it grew.

In the vintage watch market, these B&S-cased Rolex models are appreciated both for their rarity and the glimpse they offer into Rolex's early strategies for global expansion and quality control.

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Dial:

Colour: creamy white, offering a subtle contrast with the gold case

Markers: Applied gold-tone hour markers, including stylised Arabic numerals.

Crystal: Domed acrylic crystal, clear and free from significant scratches

Hands: Dolphin hours and minutes hands with exceptional blue subsecond hand.

Movement: Tudor Cal 2324

Type: Mechanical, hand-wound movement

Brand: Tudor, reflecting the brand’s heritage of precision and quality.

Functionality: Time-only, ensuring simplicity and ease of use

Service History: Recently inspected and serviced for optimal performance

Strap:

Material: Vintage leather strap in classic black

Buckle: gold-tone buckle, matching the case

Lug Width: Approximately 12mm, suitable for a delicate wrist and easy strap replacement

Condition:

Overall: Excellent condition, especially given its vintage status.

Dial: Clean with no noticeable discolouration or patina

Case: Minor surface scratches typical of vintage gold, but no significant dents or damage.

Conclusion:

This vintage Tudor ladies wristwatch, crafted in 9k gold, is a beautiful and refined timepiece that exudes timeless charm. Ideal for collectors or anyone seeking a touch of vintage elegance in their daily accessories, this watch is a testament to Tudor's enduring quality and style.