Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1941
    Reference No: 3525
    Case No: 185'871
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13'', 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Literature: The reference 3525 is illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, p. 102. Further examples can be seen in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda by Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 162-192

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1939, the reference 3525 can be considered as a milestone in Rolex’s rich history of chronographs as it was the brand’s very first chronograph wristwatch to be housed in an Oyster case, and equipped with a water resistant screw down caseback along with screw down crown. In production for less than 10 years, it was available in yellow gold, pink gold, stainless steel or in a combination of stainless steel and gold with a large variety of dials.

    A certain air of sotto voce luxury exudes from the present watch thanks to the case's perfect proportions and elegantly balanced silver dial design with multi scales. This particular watch is also very interesting as it is from the early generation of the reference. The serial and reference numbers are still stamped on the caseback while the later generation and future references will have them engraved between the lugs.

    In charismatic condition, the case is well preserved with the caseback full in its proportions with a crisp milled edge to the inner portion. The watch furthermore retains its original Oyster crown with Brevet logo.

  • 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.

    View More Works

179

Ref. 3525
An extremely attractive and fine stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with multi scales and screw down caseback and crown

Circa 1941
35mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 30,000 
€17,800-26,700
$20,100-30,200

Sold for CHF37,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019