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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1945
    Reference No: 3525
    Case No: 372’825
    Model Name: “Bariletto”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’’, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Chicchi di Riso bracelet, max length 190 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

    Introduced to the market in 1939, the reference 3525 was Rolex’s very first chronograph wristwatch to be housed in an Oyster case and equipped with a water resistant screw down case back as well as a screw down winding crown. The reference 3525 was offered in yellow gold, pink gold and stainless steel, as exemplified by the present example.

    Likely the most attention-grabbing feature, the “salmon” dial of the present watch impresses its beholders with a stunning tone which reminisces the beautiful color of effervescent rosé wine. The brushed finishing of the stainless steel case, with its flat, wide bezel, complements well with the overall design of the dial. The multi-scale dial, with black print for the minute track and blue for the telemeter scale, remains sharp and stunning. Adding an element of intrigue, the case numbers are engraved between the lower lugs and repeated on the outer case back.

    Stylish, supreme and splendid - the present timepiece, preserved in overall excellent condition, is by all means a great asset to add to any collection. Our research shows that the present lot is fresh to the auction market, making it a remarkable timepiece to own.

  • 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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872

Ref. 3525
An extremely rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with salmon dial, tachymeter, telemeter scales and bracelet

Circa 1945
35 mm diameter
Case, dial, clasp and movement signed

Estimate
HK$630,000 - 940,000 
€69,600-104,000
$80,800-121,000

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