Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1942
    Reference No: 3525
    Case No: 150'764
    Model Name: Antimagnetique, "Monoblocco"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13'''VZ, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel satin brushed link bracelet, max. length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp, stamped 6251 H
    Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: The present watch is accompanied by its original presentation box, signed Enrico Nattich, Fiume.
    Literature: Other examples of reference 3525 are illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 96-107, and in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 162-192

  • Catalogue Essay

    Beginning in 1939, Rolex launched reference 3525, which was one of the brand’s first chronograph wristwatches fitted in an Oyster case. It remained in production until 1945, and was produced in a variety of metals. This watch is an early example of the reference manufactured in 1942. Unlike later models that had the serial numbers engraved in between the lugs, this watch displays them on the outer caseback. Reference 3525 has delightfully been nicknamed the “Monoblocco” by Italian collectors, in reference to the fact that the entire case including the lugs and bezel were manufactured in “one block” with the exception of the screw-down caseback. The completely unrestored black, multi-scale dial has aged to a wonderful shade of dark brown. The present example features gilt text with both a tachymeter and telemeter scale and “Fab Suisse” written on the lower edge of the dial by 6 o’clock. The luminous material on the hour markers and hands are original and intact - uncommon for a watch of its age. The satin-finished stainless steel Rolex bracelet is remarkable, and preserved in overall excellent condition. For true vintage watch lovers, this beautifully aged watch comes accompanied by its original presentation box with the retailer signature in Enrico Nattich, Fiume, and is a rare opportunity for savvy collectors.

  • 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 stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with 'tropical' black dial, tachymeter and telemeter scales, bracelet and original box

1942
35mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 80,000 
€45,900-73,400
$51,500-82,400

Sold for CHF62,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016