Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1936
    Reference No: 2811
    Case No: 040'805 inside caseback further stamped 68/1
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13'', 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel rice grain bracelet, max length 190 mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 32.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Literature: Similar examples of reference 2811 are illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex- La Legenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 94, 96 & 98.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Even though the famous Cosmograph Daytona models have overshadowed Rolex’s other chronograph models, the famed brand has a long history of making sophisticated and elegant chronographs made in the purest Geneva tradition. These chronographs are highly sought after by collectors.

    The present reference 2811 is an extremely rare model from the pre-war era. Reference 2811 was produced in gold and in stainless steel, the first generation had olive-shaped chronograph pushers whereas the second generation, like the present lot, came with rectangular pushers.

    The attractive unrestored salmon dial features telemeter and tachymeter scales. The large 12 and 6 numerals convey a superbly balanced look to the watch.

    The case, with its short thick lugs and large flat bezel, expresses dynamism and power. In fact, the case design is incredibly similar to that of the steel Patek Philippe reference 130 chronographs, whilst being rarer. The case is also in superb condition with the engraved numbers on the back perfectly crisp.

    The present lot offers wonderful value and the opportunity to own a lovely and rare chronograph from one of Switzerland’s greatest houses.

  • 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. 2811
An fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with salmon coloured dial and stainless steel bracelet

Circa 1936
32.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 35,000 
€21,600-30,200
$25,800-36,200

Sold for CHF30,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017