
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Rolex Speedking Precision, Manual Wind Patented Super Balance, ref. 4220, circa 1946
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex (maker)
- Date
- c. 1946
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 30 mm
- Stock no.
- vws2727cs
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws2727cs)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Vintage Rolex Speedking Precision - Manual Wind Patented Super Balance - Reference 4220 - c.1946 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws2727cs), this is a wristwatch by Rolex, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1946. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 30 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist
An Exquisite Vintage Rolex Oyster Model 4220, Speedking Precision with a Beautiful Silver Sunburst Dial and Yellow Gold Furniture, c.1946 A piece of Rolex history, the Speedking made its first appearance in the 1940s and brought with it a classic design that is just as relevant today as it was when it first debuted. It was named after the “King of Speed” Sir Malcolm Campbell, a Rolex fan and breaker of speed records. What’s On Offer What an absolute gem this vintage Rolex Speedking is! In beautiful condition, this is a real treat of a watch. The charming dial is a very subtle silver sunburst boasting stunning yellow-gold furniture comprising slim baton hour markers with luminous pips and the Rolex coronet at 12 o'clock. The gilt feuille hands act as an opulent centrepiece for the dial and a subtle recessed seconds dial sits at 6 o'clock. Encased in very well-preserved stainless steel, the chamfered bezel looks fantastic and adds substance to the slight proportions of this watch. The case and lugs are also in excellent condition, this watch has been meticulously taken care of over the years - decades! It is running very well, powered by the 10.5''' Hunter, a manual wind movement. This is a stunning watch, what it might lack in size, it makes up for in sheer beauty - don't miss this one, we love it! Additional information Made from Case: Stainless Steel Dial: Silver, gold furniture Crystal: Acrylic Bracelet: FixoFlex Stainless Steel Technical specifications Winding: Manual Movement Type: Mechanical Calibre: 10.5''' Hunter Movement Jewels: 17 Waterproof: No Power reserve: Purchase details Condition: Excellent Model Reference: Date of issue: c.1946 Dimensions Width (without crown): 30mm Lug width: 17mm Lug height: (lug to lug) 35mm Wrist size: Adjustable
Historical context
Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.
The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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