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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1939
    Reference No: 3335
    Case No: 041'601
    Model Name: Antimagnetic
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 22, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Rolex stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by fitted presentation box
    Literature: Similar examples are illustrated in I cronografi Rolex La Leggenda by Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp 124-127

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1939, the reference 3335, along with the reference 3330, are considered amongst the most rare and desirable chronograph watches produced by Rolex. Ahead of their time, these models are the largest of the pre-Daytona chronographs, and their design is more in line with 21st century aesthetics, than that of the 1940s.

    The present watch has a strong appeal with the addition of the 12-hour register, something which none of the other major Geneva based marques such as Patek Philippe or Vacheron Constantin offered. There is a decidedly modern vibe with only one numeral at the 12 position. The present lot has aged with uncomparable grace, the dial developing a homogeneous and charismatic patina, the telemeter scale has faded to a now white hue, while the rest of the print is crisp and well-defined. The blue hands stand out perfectly on the dial providing for a superb contrast.

    In overall very good condition the present lot will appeal to the savvy collector in search of a timeless and rare Rolex.

  • 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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184

Ref. 3335
A very rare, attractive and large stainless steel antimagnetic chronograph wristwatch with tachymeter, telemeter scales and box

1939
38mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 100,000 
€45,900-91,800
$51,500-103,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016