1920s Rare two colour 9ct gold tonneau vintage Rolex wristwatch
Date: 1928
Case: 9ct gold, 28 x 40mm
Movement: Rolex Prima
Dial: Guilloche with Arabic numerals
Lugs: 20mm
A truly stunning, extremely rare Rolex watch, evocative of the decadent ‘Roaring 20’s’, a rare treasure!
A 1928, extremely rare 9ct two-colour gold tonneau vintage Rolex wristwatch. The gold case is curved to the wrist with flared sides and decorative scrolls to the lugs. The case measures 28 x 40 mm (including lugs) with 20mm lug size. The case (reference 870) is signed R.W.C. Ltd (Rolex Watch Company Limited), Rolex 7 Worlds Record, Geneva-Suisse, hallmarked Glasgow 1928 and numbered to the back. The Rolex Prima movement is timed to 6 positions, for all climates with 15 jewels. The guilloche ‘engine turned’ silvered dial has Arabic numerals, with a subsidiary seconds dial and fine blued steel ‘cathedrales’ hands. The dial is signed Rolex above the centre.
A Piece of History, in wonderful Condition!
Among the many timepieces that have earned Rolex its legendary reputation, some stand out not just for their craftsmanship, but for their sheer rarity. The Rolex reference 870, produced from 1928, is one such example — a true collector’s piece that encapsulates the innovation, elegance, and artistry of the brand.
What makes this watch especially noteworthy is its construction: a 9ct two-colour gold case, combining both yellow and white gold, a design choice that was both daring and elegant for the era. Very few examples of the reference 870 were ever produced, and even fewer have survived in such well-preserved condition.
This particular piece is a testament to Rolex’s commitment to excellence even in its formative years. The case proportions are classic, with graceful lugs and a finely detailed ‘guilloche’ (engine-turned) dial that speaks to the refined sensibilities of late 1920s design. The overall condition is remarkable: the case shows minimal wear, the dial retains its character and legibility, and the movement runs as crisply as one would expect from a well-maintained vintage Rolex.
Collectors will appreciate not only the rarity of this model, but also its historical significance. By 1928, Rolex was rapidly building its reputation for precision and reliability with the development of the first waterproof Oyster case. The reference 870 stands as a beautiful addition to that legacy.
Whether you are a seasoned vintage collector or a discerning buyer looking for a singular piece with true provenance, this reference 870 offers something exceptional. The Rolex Prima movement, combined with the stunning 9ct two-colour gold case, makes this an iconic piece of horological history. It’s more than just a watch — it’s a time capsule of Rolex’s early artistry and an opportunity to own a true rarity in superb condition.
