202
Rolex
Ref. 912
An exceptional and very rare white gold square wristwatch with two-tone sector dial and flared sides
- Estimate
- HK$80,000 - 120,000
HK$350,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- 1939
- Reference No
- 912
- Case No
- 57'308
- Material
- 18k white gold
- Calibre
- Mechanical <em>Extra Prima</em>, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather strap
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18k white gold <em>Rolex</em> buckle stamped <em>Rolex SA</em>
- Dimensions
- 27 mm. wide
- Signed
- <em>Case, dial and movement signed; case further stamped with Dublin date letter for 1928</em>
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The Rolex Prince first introduced in the late twenties was fitted with a rectangular case and rectangular movement, placing the winding barrel and balance at the opposite ends of the watch. This present reference 912 takes inspiration from the famous Prince design.
This present reference 912 is a spectacular example in outstanding and original condition. The case numbers are crisp and easily readable without the aid of a loupe. The flared sides, which is an unusual feature, are still very crisp and the two-tone sector dial is mesmerizing. For a watch that is close to a hundred years old, to have retained so many original features, is extremely rare indeed.
This present reference 912 is a spectacular example in outstanding and original condition. The case numbers are crisp and easily readable without the aid of a loupe. The flared sides, which is an unusual feature, are still very crisp and the two-tone sector dial is mesmerizing. For a watch that is close to a hundred years old, to have retained so many original features, is extremely rare indeed.
Provenance
Literature
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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