Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII Geneva Saturday, May 13, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1936
    Reference No: 2508
    Case No: 37'160
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 14''', 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex reference 2508 was first launched in the mid 1930s. Sporting a large, masculine case with a classic “Calatrava” design, it’s amongst the most attractive chronograph models by any brand from this formative era of wristwatch design. The reference can generally be divided into two series. While those from the first generation such as the present watch 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.

    Fitted with an ultra-exclusive black dial, the present lot is an exceptional example of the reference. Black dials are highly uncommon, with only a few examples ever appearing at auction. Moreover, the watch has an 18K pink gold case which is a rarity itself; most examples are found with a stainless steel case.

    The present example is preserved in excellent condition with crisp numbers and Rolex coronet on the caseback. The dial is absolutely charming, with gilt graphics that shine beautifully through the black dial.

  • 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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Ref. 2508
A rare and attractive pink gold chronograph wristwatch with black galvanic dial

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

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 
€31,200-62,500
$34,300-68,500

Sold for CHF44,450

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII

Geneva Auction 13 - 14 May 2023