Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1940
    Reference No: 3335
    Case No: 047'496
    Model Name: Antimagnetic
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 22, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by fitted presentation box
    Literature: Similar examples are illustrated in I cronografi Rolex La Leggenda Pucci Papaleo Editore

  • Catalogue Essay

    Since its founding in 1905, Rolex has consistently proven its avant garde leadership in watchmaking, creating designs that not only have stood the test of time, but in many ways are ahead of their epoch being as relevant today as they were when originally manufactured.
    Rolex’s reference 3330 and 3335 chronograph watches made during the early 1940s exemplify Rolex’s mastery in design. Due to their limited production, oversized case dimensions, and gorgeous aesthetic, they are today considered amongst the brand’s most desirable chronograph models . The largest of the “pre-Daytona” chronographs produced, Rolex was ahead of their time with their bold and dramatic cases measuring 38 mm in diameter. They incorporated a third, 12-hour register - a feature not available from most other distinguished firms. So rare is the reference 3335, we are aware of only a handful appearing on the international auction market over the past decade. The present reference 3335 is a superb example, remaining after 75 years in stunning condition. Not only is the lovely original black dial with both telemeter and tachymeter scales and stunning silver gilt print especially rare, but to find one in such a well-preserved state of preservation is a dream for collectors. The large, powerful case with its potent lugs is sophisticated and masculine, remaining crisp with its factory original brushed and polished surfaces. The condition, rarity, and beauty of the present timepiece is sure to impress even the most discerning collectors of the world’s finest watches.

  • 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. 3335
A very rare, attractive and large stainless steel antimagnetic chronograph wristwatch with black dial, tachymeter and telemeter scales and original presentation box

1940
38mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 150,000 
€91,800-138,000
$103,000-155,000

Sold for CHF150,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016