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Rolex
Ref. 4099
A highly rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with flared lugs
Full-Cataloguing
- Chronograph
- Extremely rare reference recognisable by its "spider" lugs
- Preserved in exceptionally crisp condition with extremely sharp case that is most probably unpolished
Please see the Archivio Pucci Papaleo digital archive record here.
Reference 4099 is among the rarest chronographs from Rolex’s distinguished non-Oyster chronograph family. It is immediately recognisable by its substantial, sharply angled “spider” lugs and was produced in both stainless steel and steel-and-gold configurations.
The present example is particularly exceptional, distinguished by its extraordinarily crisp condition. The case displays original proportions and sharply defined lines preserved to an extraordinary degree - even the edges of the lugs are sharp to the touch. Of particular note is the beautifully retained satin finish to the case back, which still displays the finely engraved Rolex crown and serial number with remarkable clarity. One would expect a watch, fitted with a snap-on case back to be exposed to the elements, and thus tarnished and spotted heavily. However, this dial is crisp despite its age.
With approximately 180 examples produced in steel, reference 4099 is an exceptionally rare find. Given its remarkable state of preservation, it is difficult to imagine a more compelling or better-preserved example of this scarce reference.
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.