Rolex - The Watch Auction: One Geneva Saturday, May 9, 2015 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1937
    Reference No: 2831
    Case No: 26'768
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel expandable Gay Frères bracelet
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp stamped 3.53
    Dimensions: 32mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Manufactured in Manufactured in 1937, this rare Rolex ref. 2831 is distinguished by an unusual, exceptionally attractive, and superbly crafted three-tone roulette-style dial, with subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock.
    The outermost ring of the dial is silver, matching the silver colour in the centre of the dial. Laying just inside, two coloured rings are found – a champagne-coloured closed railroad-type minute track with inlaid enamel, surrounding a mirror-finished, copper ring with enamel five minute divisions. Inlaid enamel Arabic hour markers are found at 3, 9, and 12 o’clock.
    Its stainless steel case, measuring 32 mm in diameter, features spectacular, multi-faceted angular lugs that further enhance the appeal of this timepiece. It is fitted with a later, riveted Oyster-style bracelet manufactured by Gay Frères.

  • 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. 2831
A very rare and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with roulette three-tone dial, unusual angular lugs and Gay Frères bracelet

1937
32mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 15,000 

Sold for CHF22,500

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Watch Auction: One

Geneva Auction 10 May 2015 6:30pm