Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: TWO Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2015 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1940
    Reference No: 3525
    Case No: 147'838
    Model Name: Oyster Chronograph Antimagnetic "Barilotto"
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13'''VZ, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold bracelet by Rolex, max. length 195 mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Literature: Illustrated in John Goldberger's 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, pp. 100-101

  • Catalogue Essay

    Beginning in 1939, Rolex launched reference 3525, which was one of the first chronographs fitted in an Oyster case. It remained in production until 1945, and was produced in a variety of metals.

    This watch is an earlier example of the reference as the serial numbers are stamped on the outer caseback, unlike later models that were engraved in between the lugs.

    Rarely ever seen, this watch developed a beautiful gunmetal mirrored finish as it oxidized, adding such a pleasing aged appearance to the watch. The completely unrestored black dial features gilt text with both a tachometer and telemeter scale with “Fab Suisse” written on the lower edge of the dial by 6 o’clock. The yellow gold Rolex bracelet in superb condition is just the cherry on top of this unbelievable work of art.

    For true vintage watch lovers, this once in a lifetime watch aged to absolute perfection is a rare opportunity for the discerning collector.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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Ref. 3525
An extremely rare and highly attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, black dial and both tachometer and telemeter scales

1940
35mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF200,000 - 400,000 

Sold for CHF233,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

Geneva Watch Auction: TWO

Geneva Auction 7 & 8 November 2015 6:30pm