Rolex’s references 8171 and 6062 are two of the most legendary mid-20th century timepieces, and the brand's only vintage models produced featuring triple calendar and moon phase. In fact, more than half a century would pass before Rolex re-introduced another model with moonphases, the Cellini Moonphase, which was released in 2017.

Reference 8171 boasts a very large, for the time (and perfect in tune with today’s taste), 38mm case, made by La-Chaux-de-Fonds -based maker Favre-Perret - identified by the number 115 inside a hammer. It was in production for a rather short time estimated to last from 1949 to 1953 in stainless steel (most commonly seen), yellow gold, or the elusive pink gold version here presented.

The model impresses not only with its case size, but also with its harmonious and elegant proportions: miles away from the utilitarian designs of the Oyster case, this architecture is instead closer to the elegant Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin propositions of the mid-20th century. This points at the clear effort on part of Rolex to try and use this model to spearhead the luxury complicated dress watch market - one of the very rare, commercially less successful endeavours in the history of the company, which will focus on sporty, more robust and water-proof watches from the mid 1950s to, pretty much, today.

While contemporary collectors more closely associate Rolex timepieces with vintage and modern “tool” and sports wristwatches, ref. 8171 remains at the top of the lists of the Rolex community in light of its rarity, complication and, indeed, its unusual placing in the historical evolution of the Rolex brand.

While any iteration of the model is a gem for the connoisseur of vintage timepieces, pink gold examples represent the highest tier of collectability in virtue of both their warm aura, and their exceeding scarcity. To put things in perspective, this is the 20th example of an 8171 Phillips sold since the establishment of the department in 2015. Out of these, only three pieces - including the present one - were in pink gold.

Due to its sheer expanse, the dial is what draws the eye first when any Padellone ref. 8171 is evaluated by collectors and aficionados. The present watch has an absolutely beautifully preserved dial: all graphics are strong and do not present losses, the outer grené track still strongly contrast with the brushed center, and the calendar windows are as sharp as when the watch left Rolex. Over time, it has aged to a warm ivory hue, an incredibly well-suited complement to the warmth of the gold case.

The case as well is a joy to behold, showcasing remarkably well-defined lugs, unadulterated proportions, sharp edges, and incredibly crisp hallmarks - most notably, the one on the band: a position notoriously sensitive to even slight polishing.

If all the above was not enough, the present piece is furthermore fresh-to-the-market and it most likely spent its whole life - until its recent discovery - in Sicily, where it was originally delivered. In fact, we understand that our consignor is only the second owner after the family of the original owner. The incredible condition of preservation suggests that it spent indeed most of its life in a safe. If, over the last decades, it had been the subject of multiple changes of ownership, wear and repeated “cosmetic interventions”, it would not have retained the untouched condition it was discovered in.

In fact, the case, most notably between the lugs, featured a notable accumulation of “patina” - to use en elegant term - which is only seen in " forgotten" watches : usage creates friction which helps keeping the case clean.

In order to bring the piece back to its original glory, we gently cleaned (not polished, of course !) the case, but kept photographic evidence of its original condition which shows how truly this discovery can be classified as “Indiana Jones Level”.

Additionally, the present piece is one of the earliest examples made, as indicated by its very low case number, and the COSC certificate dated April, 1950 - scarcely a year after the introduction of the model. Coincidentally, its case number is 4 numbers away from another pink gold example no. 667’009, also considered one of the best preserved references 8171 in existence. Both watches share the same unusual dial design: crown at twelve, “Rolex Perpetual” above the windows, and the OCC designation below them. The more commonly seen design features baton numeral at 12, crown above the windows, signature below them, and OCC designation within the running seconds’ subdial.

Adding even further to its desirability, the present pink gold reference 8171 is the only one known to appear on the market with its original guarantee from Giuseppe Avolio & Figlio in Catania (Sicily) and COSC certificate dated 13 April 1950. The completeness and originality of the example here makes it, without a doubt, a very compelling proposition to any collector who always searched for a “Padellone” where, simply put, there are no questions left to ask.

GIOIELLERIA AVOLIO

One of the longest standing names when it comes to watches and jewelry in Sicily, the company was founded in 1883 in Catania by Agatino Avolio. Originally situated in Via Vittorio Emanuele, in 1913 it moved to one of the most iconic locations of the city: Piazza Università, where they can be found to this day. In fact, the large sign placed above the shop windows is by now a part of the historical square as embedded in the hearts of the people of Catania as are the baroque buildings next to it.

Next to being a watch retailer, the brand created their own jewels often employing stones that at the time were relative obscure - such as tanzanite or rubellite. The shop was also well known for its eclectic offer focused on most distinguished luxurious and unusual items, spanning from Limoges ceramics to fine writing instruments. In fact, a 1920 silver Waterman fountain pen retailed by Avolio is on display at the Museo degli Antichi Strumenti di Scrittura (Ancient Writing Implements Museum) in Catania, exemplifying the variety of objects offered by the shop.

The company has always been managed by the same family. The founder Agatino was succeeded by his son Giuseppe and Giuseppe’s son Agatino - named after his grandfather - managed the shop in the late 20th century. Currently, Agatino's daughter Ester and son Vincenzo are ferrying the business into the 21st century, with the fifth generation of Avolios in the meanwhile being groomed to perpetuate the family trade and tradition.