Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1937 Reference No: 2918 Case No: 031740 Material: Stainless Steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''' Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless Steel Rolex pin buckle Dimensions: 33mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and pin buckle signed
Catalogue Essay
Manufactured in extremely low numbers and only in stainless steel, the Rolex reference 2918 showcases all the avant-garde aesthetics of the 1930s. Featuring oval chronograph pushers, unusual flexible lugs and glossy black dial, the revolutionary design of these "non-oyster" chronographs and uncertainty of their commercial success resulted in extremely low production numbers.
Standing out for its excellent overall condition, the present Rolex Chronograph features a beautiful glossy dial with two engine turned sub-dials at nine and three o'clock respectively. The outer tachymeter and telemeter scales contrasting with the black dial give the timepiece a sporty and modern allure, even for today's standards. At 33mm in diameter, the case features a flat bezel, snap on case back and delightful hinged oval shaped lugs. The caseback reference and serial numbers are crisp and easily legible.
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.