A ladies eighteen carat white gold Rolex Oyster Precision reference 2166 model. This is an exceptionally rare watch to find in all white gold, with the original integrated bracelet and double row of diamonds surrounding the gorgeous silver dial.  The bracelet has a stunning herringbone design engraved into the exterior that catches the light beautifully. There are twenty two .05 carat brilliant cut vibrant diamonds on the outer row, with an estimated total carat weight of 1.1 carat of diamonds. The inner row is also twenty two diamonds of approximately .03 carats each, with a total weight of 0.66 carats. All of these stones are factory set by Rolex.

Rolex used the “Precision” designation throughout the 1960s to describe its hand wound, time only movements that were built to a very high standard but did not carry chronometer certification. In the ladies range, this appeared across a variety of slim, elegant references that relied on compact manual calibres such as the 1400 series. These watches were typically cased in 14 or 18 carat gold, with the occasional steel or gold filled example, and were almost always paired with understated dials that focused on clarity rather than ornamentation. The aim was simple. Provide reliable daily wear with the smallest possible footprint.

The 1960s were an important decade for Rolex design. While the brand was expanding its tool watch and professional categories, the women’s Precision pieces continued a quieter lineage that Rolex had been refining since the 1940s. Cases became slightly cleaner and more modern during this period, with smooth bezels, applied markers and minimalist typography. Many of these references were produced in relatively modest numbers, as Rolex was concentrating far more attention on Datejust and Oyster Perpetual models for the rapidly growing luxury market.

For collectors today, the ladies Precision line represents an honest expression of Rolex watchmaking at a domestic scale. These pieces were bought to be worn on special occasions, so surviving examples in strong original condition like this can be found. They were always treasured by their owners. Their appeal sits in the simplicity of the construction, the reliability of the movements and the mid century design language that never strayed into trend driven styling. They remain a thoughtful way to understand how Rolex approached luxury watchmaking during one of its most formative decades.

The watch is powered by a Rolex, Swiss made, manually wound calibre 1400 movement that powered the majority of all Rolex ladies models since its launch. Rolex introduced the calibre 1400 family in the early 1960s as part of its ongoing effort to refine small format, hand wound movements for ladies watches and slim dress references. These were compact manual calibres that prioritised reliability, low profile height and ease of service. While never positioned as chronometer grade mechanisms, Rolex engineered them to a very high standard, using the same disciplined approach found in their larger movements of the period. The 1400 series became the backbone of the firm’s non chronometer ladies models for more than two decades.

At a technical level, the calibre 1400 and its siblings, including the 1401 and later 1402, were produced with a straightforward architecture: a traditional going train, a robust balance assembly and a simple, efficient layout that watchmakers appreciated for its predictability. Their size allowed Rolex to design slimmer cases, which defined much of the women’s Precision line throughout the 1960s and 1970s. These watches often carried clean dials, lightweight gold cases and a focus on wearable proportions that aligned with mid century tastes.

The longevity of the 1400 family speaks to its success. Rolex kept these movements in production well beyond the immediate decade of their launch, gradually updating components but maintaining the core design. For collectors today, a watch powered by the 1400 calibre reflects an era when Rolex devoted significant attention to small, hand wound movements that were built for daily use rather than glamour. They remain a dependable window into the firm’s quieter, more utilitarian watchmaking from the post war years through the height of the modernist period.

This case is in remarkable condition, it is unpolished and like new. These early models have the unique serial numbers engraved into the outside of the case back, along with the Rolex coronet. If the watches are ever polished then they will be removed. They are bold and clean. The buckle part of the bracelet is fully signed with 750 for eighteen carat gold, and Rolex trademark coronet on the outside of the clasp. The bracelet is six and ahalf inches in length, so should accomodate most wrist sizes. The case dimension is 19mm across.

The watch was made circa 1968 with serial number 1,840,XXX. The watch is in original condition, unpolished, with wear commensurate with age, with nothing to detract.  This really is a rare opportunity to own a very interesting and beautiful and glamorous piece of Rolex history. 

The watch comes with a Foundwell one year warranty against mechanical failure. We do not know the service history of the watch. There is no original box or paperwork with the watch.