-DODIMEAD HOROLOGY-
-DISTINCTIVE VINTAGE WATCHES-
Dodimead Horology Ltd was established from a lifelong passion for collecting watches. Rather than chasing volume, I focus on sourcing interesting, honest vintage pieces with originality, condition and character—watches that I would be genuinely happy to add to my own collection or see my wife wearing.
Featured Products
A Rolex Oyster Precision, ref: 6422. Produced 2nd quarter 1957.
- Manual wind Rolex cal. 1210, 17 jewel movement.
- Fitted with Rolex 6635 stretch rivet bracelet, clasp ‘2 64’ & no. 57 end links.
This is a beautiful 34mm, oyster cased ref. 6422 from circa 1957, fitted with a slightly later bracelet from 1964. A classic, without the added clutter of a date window. However, in contrast to the simple dial layout, this particular example has an eye-catching Arabic 3,6,9 quadrant ‘Chevron’ dial, with silver dagger markers and dauphine hands, the marker plots and hands filled with radium lume.
When I found this watch it was missing its handset, crown and the plexiglass had aged beyond repair and the watch was a little dirty. Furthermore, the cal. 1210 was damaged and it would not have been be easy to find original parts for. Probably the reason it was out of action. I could however its potential, so made the decision to find a nice donor movement and an original handset. After several weeks searching, I managed to source a beautiful movement & crown from the UK. And from the US, an original radium handset with uncommon, but era correct blued seconds hand.
A Personal Note:-
The uncluttered chevron dial is the star of the show, and changes dramatically depending on the light. Additionally, the watch just wears beautifully on this strap. A winning combo and a really unique head-turner overall. This was an exceptionally rewarding project to pull together.
Condition:-
This piece is in lovely overall condition. The case and smooth bezel, although showing signs of use from their 69 year life, remain very strong. The lugs have retained their shape with their holes remaining well defined and with plenty of metal between them and the lug edges. The reference number & serial are still clearly defined and visible.
The dial is of course showing plenty of patina, but is honest and really quite clean, especially given its age. Many of these will deteriorate in an unpleasing way. The original radium lume is present on both the dial and the handset, having aged to a darkish, cream hue. The plexiglass is brand new and replaces the original which had suffered too much age-related cracking.
The crown is original twinlock Rolex. The screw-in caseback is original to the head, with the dates matching. An interesting observation when it comes to the caseback markings, is that it is stamped with a ‘6494’, which has then been struck-through. A ‘6422’ is stamped below instead. Although this may at first seem strange, it is not uncommon for some watches from 1956/7 to be found like this. Rolex often repurposed components for different, but related, references. I see it as a lovely factory quirk!
The bracelet is a seldom seen 6635 stretch rivet item from 1964 and is in unbelievably good condition. Virtually no stretch in the links and the springs are all working perfectly and are very strong. It would not have started out life matched with this head, but for whatever reason, was with the watch when I acquired it. The 57 end links are not strictly known to be used primarily for this case, but work nevertheless. The Rolex clasp shuts reassuringly. The blades are in good condition and the coronet is well defined. These bracelets alone are highly sought after, especially in this condition.
Movement:-
The Rolex Cal. 1210 is keeping good time. If being extremely picky, the amplitude is on the lower end of where I would like to see it, if for example it had received a full overhaul. In my opinion however, it does not currently warrant undergoing a service.
I guarantee the authenticity and the working order of this piece at the time of sale, and will offer a 3 month extended warranty. Servicing the movement at cost is also an option. Although this is a sports watch, please don’t expect it to be waterproof.
Rolex King Midas, factory diamond set with Lapis Lazuli dial.
Ref: 4611, produced in 1976. Solid 18k White Gold
The Rolex King Midas first appeared in the early 60’s and was designed by the legendary Gérald Genta. The King Midas was released as a limited edition, but after this initial run, Rolex produced different variations until the 1980s.
Of all King Midas references, this ref: 4611 is one of the most sought after, featuring a symmetrical 24mm x 33mm diamond set case and produced entirely from 18K white gold, instead of the more commonly seen yellow gold version.
The dial is cut from beautiful blue lapis lazuli and is complemented by an 18K white gold applied Rolex coronet, hands, and a printed “ΜΙΔΑΣ” (Midas) signature. Again, rare to see instead of the more usual ‘Cellini’ signature.
A Personal Note:-
Another piece which was rescued from a Jewellers safe. Everything about this piece makes it special. The material, the diamonds, the dial, the condition, and as per my other Midas, I dread the idea of this beauty leaving my possession. I really hope it doesn’t sell!!
Condition:-
Every aspect of this piece is in really superb condition, having been cared for extremely well for the last 50 years. The case and bracelet show very few signs of use and retain their factory brushing and crispness. The bracelet has full links and suffers from no stretch at all. The clasp is still very tight and closes with a hefty click. The crown works as it should do.
The original dial, printing, coronet and handset are perfect, and the sapphire crystal has no damage.
In all honesty, condition-wise, I think this is pretty much exactly as if it had just left the Rolex watchmakers bench!
This is a hefty piece, at almost 150g gross.
Movement:-
There is no service history with this watch. However, the manual wind Rolex cal. 650 movement is running beautifully as one would hope and won’t require a service anytime soon.
I guarantee the authenticity and the working order of this piece at the time of sale, and will offer a 1 year extended warranty. Please don’t expect this piece to be waterproof. It will not be covered by the guarantee.
A Rolex GMT Master, ref: 16758. Nipple Dial. Solid 18k Yellow Gold. Full Set.
- Automatic Rolex cal. 3075, 27 jewel movement.
- Fitted with Rolex hidden clasp Jubilee bracelet.
GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time - the time zone that regulates world clocks and is required for all aviation planning and schedules. The Rolex GMT Master has a fourth 24-hour hand that directly displays the same time zone as the standard 12-hour hand but on a 24-hour scale. The addition of this GMT hand enabled crews to set the watch to GMT or another time zone, and, using the rotating 24-hour scale bezel, correct the offset to display a second time zone on the 24-hour scale.
The Rolex Ref. 16758 was first introduced in 1980 shortly after the Ref. 16750 and was in production until 1988. Both the 16758 and 16750 featured the updated Cal. 3075 quick set date movement. In addition however, the 16758 featured a sapphire crystal and a bidirectional click spring bezel.
A Personal Note:-
From an outsiders perspective, one could easily think it’s a little too much. However, on the wrist it all just makes complete sense. The weight, fit and feel of the case are sublime. The gold/black, 2-tone harmony with nothing else distracting one’s view. The old-school vibe, but with modern enhancements makes it so useable too. It’s an absolute cracker.
Condition:-
Finding one like this again would be extremely tough. It is absolutely incredible. The case and bezel show only tiny superficial surface marks, and in my opinion remain completely unpolished. The lugs are very sharp with their original bevels and the spring bar holes remaining crisp. The crown guards are quite often rounded-off on these 18k pieces, however these remain very defined and sharp like the lugs. The reference number, serial and all hallmarks are still very clearly defined and untouched.
The tritium nipple dial, under good light is showing a little patina around the centre. But it is looking splendid overall. Some of these dials deteriorate in an unpleasing way with. The original tritium lume is present on both the dial plots and the handset, having aged to a cream hue and matching the date disc nicely. The sapphire crystal is like new.
The crown is the original, as is the screw-in caseback.
The bracelet is a beautiful hidden clasp jubilee with hollow centre links and is in unbelievably good, unpolished condition. There is no more perceivable stretch than when it would have left the factory and the hidden clasp shuts reassuringly. The blades are in great condition and the coronet is well defined. Pretty much as good as it gets really.
Movement:-
The Rolex Cal. 3075 is keeping very good time and everything functions exactly as it should. Absolutely no complaints here.
I guarantee the authenticity and the working order of this piece at the time of sale, and will offer a 1 year extended warranty. Although this is a sports watch, please don’t expect it to be waterproof as it is untested.
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