Rolex. A fine and rare 18K gold self-winding water-resistant wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date, black dial and bracelet

To commemorate the firm's 40th anniversary in 1945, Rolex introduced a new model which was to become one of the firm's flagships, the celebrated "Datejust". This larger version of the famous "bubble back" was fitted with the new calibre A.296, originally used in reference 5026, the large "bubble back". The "Jubilee Datejust" reference 4467 was initially only available in 18K gold. It featured a finely milled bezel, a gold-bordered date window and alternating red/black date numerals, a small "bubble back" crown and a prominently domed back.

The three-body case of the model, also known as the "Ovettone" or "big egg", was soon replaced by a two-body case, still retaining the protruding case back, the milled bezel and alternating colours for the date, such as the present watch. The only obvious change was the winding crown, replaced against a larger version when Rolex increased the water resistance from 60 to 165 feet.

In excellent overall condition, the rarity of the present watch is further enhanced by the original black dial.