In an era when Rolex was making historical strides with their utilitarian, tool-based wristwatches, there are some lesser-known dress timepieces that fly a little more under the radar, enter the Rolex Metropolitan ref. 9919. The ultra-round, almost UFO-like, dress watch design of the ref. 9919 was a unique stylistic departure for the Crown in the 1960s, rivaling the silhouettes more common amongst the Audemars Piguet or Patek Philippe dress watches of the era. As a result of the unusual nature of the Metropolitan, Rolex produced very few with even fewer remaining today. The ref. 9919 features a robust 36mm 18K yellow gold case with intricate bezel detailing, a screw-down case back, an 18K yellow gold mesh bracelet, and a concentrically brushed radial dial, and employs a manual winding Cal. 873 Rolex in-house movement.

The Rolex Metropolitan example presented here is in exceptional condition with its original design integrity fully present throughout the unpolished case, original mesh bracelet, and well-prevered dial. Perfect for the Rolex-obsessed collector or those interested in adding a unique piece to a diverse collection.

CASE & BRACELET

The ultra wearable saucer-style 18K yellow gold case is in exceptional unpolished condition, boasting crisp original finishing throughout many surfaces and intricate detailing of the watch. Very minimal signs of previous use are present on the case. The case retains its original Rolex-signed winding crown. The case back also remains unpolished and features a beautiful patina consisting of dark blue and purple color tones, all of the original factory engravings remain present and crisp on the case back. The original 18K yellow gold Rolex mesh bracelet seamlessly attaches under the watch's bezel and gives the bracelet an integrated appearance. There appears to be a small repair and a slight separation in the bracelet just below where it attaches at 6 o'clock on the right side, though this is very common in vintage mesh bracelets as this is the main hinge point for the wrist. The bracelet has also developed a beautiful deep rosy-purple patina throughout, with the inside clasp blade seeing the most drastic patina as it remains mostly dark purple and blue. The bracelet also appears to remain unsized and it is adjustable within the clasp, fully extended the bracelet measures slightly larger than 7 1/2-inches, and fully sized in the watch will comfortably fit a 6 3/4-inch wrist.

DIAL & HANDS

The original gold radial dial features unique concentric brushing details and apart from the applied Rolex logo and text, lacks any markers. The dial itself is exceptionally well-preserved and is truly impressive, with no notable signs of age or wear. The original dauphine-style yellow gold hands also remain in exceptional condition.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch is keeping time perfectly, backed by our 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.