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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: circa 1930
    Reference No: 1490
    Movement No: 78'897
    Case No: 07'716
    Model Name: Prince "Railway"
    Material: Silver
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 350TS, 15 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 42mm. Length, 23mm. Width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The condition of the present silver Prince is extraordinary. In fact, today it presents itself in the same condition as when left the factory over 8 decades ago. In virtually mint and unworn condition, this superb doctor’s watch with jumping hours also stands out with its stunning case design echoing the roaring twenties. Introduced in 1928, the stylish Art Deco Rolex Prince was advertised as "The Watch for Men of Distinction". The model became known as the doctor’s watch due to the large subsidiary seconds dial, which was ideal for measuring a patient’s pulse rate. The present lot from the 1490 series is distinguished by the flared sides and called "Brancard" (stretcher in French). Along with its elegant and large case size, the present Prince features a jump hour aperture with bold hour numerals in red and a two tone dial with grainé center and features the signature of the prestigious Zurich based retailer, Beyer. Founded in 1760, Beyer is the oldest watch shop in Switzerland and one of the oldest retailers in the world.
    The rarity and beauty of this piece, combined with its pristine condition, make this reference 1490 a must have for the savvy 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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Σ89

Ref. 1490
A very well preserved and rare silver rectangular doctor's wristwatch with red jump hour and two-tone silvered dial, retailed by Beyer

circa 1930
42mm. Length, 23mm. Width
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€13,800-23,000
$15,500-25,800

Sold for CHF27,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016