Description:
ROLEX KING MIDAS REFERENCE 9630 FIRST SERIES WHITE GOLD
In the late 1950s, Rolex enlisted renowned Swiss watch designer Charles Gerald Genta to craft a groundbreaking jewel watch. Inspired by ancient Greece, Genta fashioned a masterpiece named King Midas, reminiscent of the Parthenon’s silhouette. Symbolizing the sun atop Mount Olympus, the left-sided winding crown added a unique touch. The watch’s name pays homage to the mythical King Midas, renowned for his golden touch. The initial King Midas model, reference 9630, was crafted from around 1961 to 1972, with only a limited production: about 800 in yellow gold and 150 in white gold. Subsequent Midas models shared similarities but were not exact replicas of the original. The first series King Midas with reference 9630 in white gold are extremely rare timepieces, very few have been produced and even fewer have come to the present day in collectible conditions like the present specimen.
This Rolex King Midas reference 9630 stands out as an exceptional and exceedingly rare timepiece. Its rarity lies in its likely status as one of the earliest produced examples. This is indicated by the sequential number “09X” engraved on the inner part of the bracelet, suggesting it was among the first 100 Midas watches manufactured. As one of the pioneering models, it exhibits some unique characteristics. Notably, it lacks the “KING MIDAS” signature on the crown side and the “MIDAS” inscription on the dial, which were standard features on later reference 9630 models. This absence suggests that during its production, the naming conventions hadn’t been fully established. Consequently, with its low serial number and distinctive attributes, such as the missing lettering on the dial and case, this watch becomes even rarer than other Midas 9630 models. Its overall condition is excellent, with a pristine dial, flawless caliber operation, unpolished case, and a very tight bracelet. Undoubtedly, this timepiece is an exceptional and rare addition to any collection.
Year 1961, Serial Number 842,XXX, King Midas Size.