Rolex 700

The Rolex Caliber 700 is a classic manual-wind movement that served as a workhorse for the brand from the 1940s through the early 1960s. It is part of the Hunter series of calibers, which were based on high-quality ebauches from Fontainemelon (FHF) and then extensively modified and finished by Rolex to their own high standards. This robust and reliable caliber is characterized by its traditional layout, most notably featuring a subsidiary seconds dial (small seconds) at the 6 o’clock position, rather than a central sweep seconds hand. It powered a wide variety of Rolex models during this era, including many “Precision” dress watches and early Oyster models. The Caliber 700 and its variants were fundamental in building Rolex’s reputation for durability and accuracy before the brand transitioned fully to its in-house automatic “Perpetual” movements.