Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SEVEN Hong Kong Monday, November 26, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1942
    Reference No: 3525
    Case No: 150’791
    Model Name: “Bariletto”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’’, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel associated bracelet, max length 185 mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Oyster Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 35 mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, clasp and movement signed.
    Literature: A similar example of a reference 3525 in steel with a matte pink dial is illustrated in John Goldberger, 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, p. 102.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present watch is a first generation example, as the reference number and case number are engraved on the case back. Later examples would feature the case number in between the lugs. Featuring an attractive dial which has aged delicately with a nice, warm patina, the watch has been preserved in excellent condition with crisp serial number and reference number on the case back. Adding an element of collectability, the present watch was vended by Astrua - a prestigious Italian retailer which started operation in 1860. The name of the retailer, “Astrua”, is placed under the “chronograph” lettering designation.

    Agelessly attractive and appealing - the present timepiece is by all means a one-of-a-kind asset to add to any collection. Our research shows that the present lot is fresh to the auction market, making it an exceptionally remarkable timepiece to possess.

  • 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.

    View More Works

1025

Ref. 3525
An extremely rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with tachymeter, telemeter scales and bracelet, retailed by Astrua

Circa 1942
35 mm. Diameter
Case, dial, clasp and movement signed.

Estimate
HK$400,000 - 650,000 
€44,200-71,800
$51,300-83,300

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SEVEN

Hong Kong Auction 27 November 2018