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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1947
    Reference No: 4537
    Case No: 544'894
    Material: 9K gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 72, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Rolex gilt pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Service summary made by Rolex in 2016, an International Service Guarantee card, literature about Rolex Factory Service and presentation box

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex reference 4537 was manufactured during a short period of time after 1945 and is amongst the rarest of all vintage Rolex chronograph wristwatches. It was also Rolex’s earliest three-register chronograph wristwatch models, housed in an Oyster case measuring 36 mm. Rolex produced the watch in yellow and pink gold as well as in stainless steel. The present watch is a very rare example produced in 9 karat gold, and according to our research, is the first and only known example to have appeared on the market. The case has been very well preserved, retaining its full proportions and correct rounded lugholes to the left lugs. The silvered dial has a warm tone, and features an outer black tachymeter scale, with a crisp blue inner telemeter scale. Over time, the dial has gracefully aged, and there is a subtle and warm reddish hue on the dial’s center that gives it a beautiful vintage character. The overall lovely condition, gorgeous aesthetic, along with its very rare case metal makes this an exciting chronograph watch 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. 4537
A fine and exceedingly rare gold chronograph wristwatch, with presentation box and service warranty

1947
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 
€27,500-55,100
$30,900-61,800

Sold for CHF43,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016