The Rolex Caliber 1100 is a manual-winding mechanical movement produced during the 1950s, part of Rolex’s family of compact calibers used primarily in ladies’ watches and mid-size dress models. Like many of its contemporaries in the 10xx series (such as 1030, 1065, 1080), the 1100 was engineered for reliable timekeeping in smaller case dimensions, a hallmark of Rolex’s post-war strategy to offer high-quality timepieces across a full range of sizes.

The 1100 is relatively obscure compared to Rolex’s automatic calibers but remains notable for its durability, mechanical simplicity, and elegant proportions.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Manual-wind

• Functions: Hours, minutes (some variants with small seconds)

• Jewels: 17

• Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour (vph)

• Power Reserve: ~42 hours

• Chronometer Certified: No (typically found in "Precision"-marked watches)

• Shock Protection: Incabloc or KIF (depending on production batch)

• Date Function: No

• Hacking Seconds: No

This movement was designed to be thin and reliable, ideally suited to smaller-cased Rolex models of the time.

Design and Features

The Rolex Caliber 1100 is a classic example of mid-20th-century mechanical watchmaking focused on reliability and ease of servicing. Its key design elements include:

• Three-bridge manual-wind layout

• Rhodium-plated plates and bridges for corrosion resistance

• Durable gear train for stable timekeeping

• Fine finishing of screws and components, even in smaller calibers

• Compact construction, allowing for use in 24–28 mm case diameters

While not elaborate in complication or design, it reflected the same Rolex ethos applied to larger, more famous calibers.

Watches Powered by Caliber 1100

The Caliber 1100 was primarily used in:

• Ladies’ Rolex Oyster models, such as early versions of the Oyster Precision

• Non-Oyster Rolex dress watches, including cocktail watches and formal models

• Select Tudor watches, as Rolex and Tudor often shared movement platforms

• Watches typically made from gold, gold-plated, or stainless steel, paired with slim cases and minimalist dials

These watches were sold primarily in the 1950s and early 1960s, often featuring:

• Acrylic domed crystals

• Slim bezels and delicate lugs

• Dials marked “Rolex Precision” or “Rolex Geneve”

• Hand-wound crowns without guards

Serviceability and Longevity

The 1100, like other Rolex hand-wound movements of the era, is:

• Highly serviceable, with a simple design

• Mechanically resilient, performing well with regular maintenance

• Built with widely compatible components, helpful for vintage watchmakers

With proper servicing (every 4–6 years), the 1100 continues to deliver reliable timekeeping, even decades after its manufacture.

Collectibility and Market Position

While not a centerpiece in most Rolex collections, the 1100 is appreciated by:

• Vintage enthusiasts looking for compact Rolex mechanical watches

• Collectors of ladies’ or unisex mid-century timepieces

• Watchmakers who value simple, hand-wound movements for restoration

Timepieces with the 1100 offer an accessible entry point into vintage Rolex collecting, especially for those interested in dress models with smaller proportions.

Final Thoughts

The Rolex Caliber 1100 may not enjoy the fame of its automatic counterparts, but it holds a meaningful place in the brand’s mechanical heritage. As a reliable, minimalist hand-wound movement, it helped define Rolex’s offerings in the dress and ladies’ categories during the mid-20th century. Today, it remains a symbol of understated Swiss engineering—ideal for collectors who value precision, simplicity, and vintage elegance in a smaller package.