Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1936
    Reference No: 2508
    Case No: 25'643
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 14''', 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated Rolex buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a copy of I Chronografi Rolex La Legganda by Pucci Papaleo and a letter dated 16 March 2002 confirming the present watch is illustrated in I Chronografi Rolex La Legganda, pages 82-83.
    Literature: The present watch is proudly displayed in I Cronografi Rolex La Legganda by Pucci Papaleo, page 82 and 83.

  • Catalogue Essay

    First launched in the mid 1930s, reference 2508 was Rolex's very first wristwatch to feature two chronograph registers, as well as two buttons to operate the mechanism. The reference can generally be divided into two series. While those from the first generation feature 'olive' pushers and a larger case size, second generation examples feature flat pushers and a relatively smaller case diameter. At the time of production, the relatively large case size was incredibly unusual for the period. Yet, the model exudes a modern appearance today.

    This watch is an excellent example of a first generation reference 2508. Fitted with elegant "olive" pushers, it most notably features both telemeter and tachymeter scales on the dial. Reference 2508 typically displays a simple dial layout. To find one, such as the present example, with a multi-scale design is very rare. At further glance, the retailer's signature is also proudly displayed underneath the center of the dial, denoting the watch was retailed at Cravanzola in Roma, Italy. This small detail adds another element of delight.

    One should also marvel at the case number and reference number, which are sharp, crisp and legible on the case back. Early examples, like the present watch, had the serial number punched on the case back. In comparison, later generations featured the case number finely engraved on the edge of the case back.

    Proudly displayed in literature, this watch fulfills the requirements of any stringent collector and scholar.

  • 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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177

Ref. 2508
A rare and attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with multi-scale dial and "olive" pushers, retailed by Cravanzola Roma

Circa 1936
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 30,000 
€13,900-27,800
$14,900-29,700

Sold for CHF18,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017