US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
140
Rolex
Ref. 8171
Padellone
An elusive, superbly collectible and incredibly charming stainless steel triple calendar automatic wristwatch with moonphases and Gay Frères bracelet
- Estimate
- CHF120,000 - 240,000€129,000 - 259,000$151,000 - 301,000
CHF254,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1953
- Reference No
- 8171
- Movement No
- 67’133
- Case No
- 820’744
- Model Name
- Padellone
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 10’’’ ½ , 18 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel riveted expandable Gay Frères bracelet, max overall length (unexpanded) 210mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Gay Frères deployant clasp stamped "3 53"
- Dimensions
- 38mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed; bracelet signed by bracelet maker
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Reference 8171 is one of the most important vintage models made by the Crown. Due to its simple and generous architecture, it is lovingly nicknamed "Padellone", which translates to "large frying pan" in Italian. It features a 38mm case, slightly larger than its waterproof Oyster sibling reference 6062 and defined by the sloped bezel, and elegant downturned lugs featuring an extremely subtle step at the junction with the case.
Both references 8171 and 6062 were the only two vintage Rolex models with moonphases, giving them a mythical reputation and cult-like following - boosted by their incredibly modern wearability. Produced for a very short period of time in the early 1950s, reference 8171 and 6062 were available in yellow gold, pink gold, and stainless steel.
Impressive with its enormously charming and honest condition, this specimen furthermore boasts a remarkable provenance.
The present reference 8171 was offered by Phillips New York in 2024 and came from one of the most knowledgeable and important personalities in the world of watch collecting: journalist, connoisseur, entrepreneur and collector Mr. Ben Clymer, whose own words are best suited to describe this treasure: “This particular 8171 is, to me, what vintage watch collecting is all about. Wonderful, original condition but not void of personality. … coming from the original owner in 2017, (it) is the perfect one to have great pride in its quality and originality, but also wear without concern.”
Both references 8171 and 6062 were the only two vintage Rolex models with moonphases, giving them a mythical reputation and cult-like following - boosted by their incredibly modern wearability. Produced for a very short period of time in the early 1950s, reference 8171 and 6062 were available in yellow gold, pink gold, and stainless steel.
Impressive with its enormously charming and honest condition, this specimen furthermore boasts a remarkable provenance.
The present reference 8171 was offered by Phillips New York in 2024 and came from one of the most knowledgeable and important personalities in the world of watch collecting: journalist, connoisseur, entrepreneur and collector Mr. Ben Clymer, whose own words are best suited to describe this treasure: “This particular 8171 is, to me, what vintage watch collecting is all about. Wonderful, original condition but not void of personality. … coming from the original owner in 2017, (it) is the perfect one to have great pride in its quality and originality, but also wear without concern.”
Provenance
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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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