Rolex Cal 1200 was introduced in 1954 as Rolex’s basic sub seconds movement. The 1210 was modified to feature centre seconds, the 1215 had a date complication. Later in it’s lifespan the 1210 was upgraded to 21600 B/A and renamed the 1220 and 1225 with date, these only came with centre seconds.
Rolex calibre: 1200-1210-1215-1220-1220-1225
- Made approximately: 1953
- Made in Switserland
- Power reserve 58h
- 17 Jewels
- 18000 B/A
- Lift angle 52°
- DM 23.3mm
- H 3.6mm
Surface finish is of high quality. All screws are highly polished and of excellent finish. The bridges are nicely finished with rhodium plating and gold plating in the lettering. Capped escape wheels. Ratchet wheel and crown wheels are finely finished. Standard jewel count.
Top surface finish on plates: 8 Points
Surface finish on screws: 10 Points
Surface finish on ratchet and ratchet wheel: 8 Points
Movement Jeweling: 7 Points
Movement is pretty standard for 1953.
Movement design innovation (for 1953): 6 points
The Rolex base plate is nicely decorated and has an overall good finish. Winding, date and setting mechanisms are nicely finished, with a high finish on the screws. Gear train has a good finish. Setting the time feels balanced and smooth; however, the winding is a little hard towards fully wound (due to high gear ratio).
Base plate finish: 7 Points
Setting and winding mechanism: 6 Points
Date change snappiness: 6 Points *1015-1025
Gear-train finish: 8 Points
Movement durability: 7 Points
A quality feature that I always appreciate is a guard plate, to protect the bridge surface from the ratchet wheel.
2 extra bonus points
On the updated 1225 Balance wheel is very nicely executed, with adjustable weight spokes and Breguete hairspring. The fine adjuster screw is also pretty nifty.
3 *extra bonus points for regulator
3* Extra innovation points for higher beat rate.
Total 6* for the calibre 12.20 and 1225
These Rolex moments in good condition keep excellent time.
Accuracy: 9 points
Power reserve is fair: 7 points
Power reserve of 58 hours is impressive on this movement
Power reserve: 10 Points
Rolex 1200-1210-1215-1220-1225 summary:
Surface finish on bridges and top side of base plate: 8
Surface finish screws: 10
Surface finish on ratchet and ratchet wheel: 8
Movement Jeweling: 6
Movement innovative design for ca 1953: 6
Base plate finish: 7
Setting and winding mechanism: 6
Date change snappiness: 6*
Gear-train finish: 8
Movement durability: 7
Total bonus points: 2-8*
Accuracy: 9
Power reserve: 10
Grand total: 87-99*
*Bonus points and date version.