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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1940
    Reference No: 3666
    Case No: 041'928
    Model Name: Antimagnetic
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 22, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    From their earliest days, Rolex manufactured chronograph wristwatches, however their early production models are less well-known than their famous Cosmograph Daytona chronograph. These early, oversized examples were produced in very limited numbers and today are highly sought after by collectors. Amongst the rarest Rolex chronographs along with the elusive reference 3330 and 3335, the present reference 3666 is one such example. One of only a few known to the market, this classic two-register chronograph is in exquisite condition. The large cylinder shaped 36mm stainless steel case retains its original proportions, well defined lines, and sharp lugs as it originally left the factory. The thin bezel, not only further enhances the impression of size, but also enables an unobstructed view onto the strikingly beautiful and rare powder pink dial with black tachymeter and blue telemeter scales found along its outer circumference.

    Masculine and sophisticated, this vividly modern timepiece is a potent formula of rarity, superb condition and timeless beauty making it an outstanding addition for a world class collection of Rolex watches.

  • 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. 3666
A very rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with salmon colored dial, tachymeter and blue telemeter scales

1940
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 150,000 
€91,800-138,000
$103,000-155,000

Sold for CHF162,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016