Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips

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  • Condition Report

  • Description

    View our Conditions of Sale.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1938
    Reference No: 3834
    Case No: 57’466
    Model Name: Chronographe Antimagnetique "Pink on Pink"
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 10.5''' Valjoux 69, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold-plated Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 32mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed; dial further signed by retailer
    Accessories: Accompanied by blank Rolex associated guarantee, associated presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced around the late 1930s, the Rolex ref. 3834 was available in various materials, but the current pink gold example has one of the rarest materials in the market. It is particularly remarkable for its exceptional case and dial quality as it is increasingly rare to find watches that have been well-preserved for 80 years.

    The three-body case made by Gunther & Co SA (Poinçon de Maître number 117) with a snap on back is simply beautiful, featuring uniquely proportioned faceted lugs. The watch is equipped with the renowned Valjoux 69 caliber, which is highly appreciated among collectors. The combination of the pink gold case and the sought-after pink dial creates a perfect blend of attractive elements. The eccentric outer black tachymeter scale, vivid inner blue telemeter scale, and rare black indexes further contribute to its appeal. The pronounced step on the registers and crisp grooves, surrounded by the rare railway track enhance the incredible condition of the dial. Not to mention the case back also retains clear engravings of the case and reference numbers.

    What makes this example particularly significant is the double signature "Ronchi Milano" located just below the Rolex signature. Ronchi of Milano was established in 1929 and continues to be an authorized retailer of Rolex, marking a nearly century-long partnership. Due to its extreme rarity, this is the first "Pink on Pink" ref. 3834 offered in Phillips, and only a few examples have ever surfaced in auction history. Coming from a distinguished Japanese collector, the watch has been part of this collection for over 10 years, making it undeniably one of the most exceptional gems in Rolex's celebrated chronograph family.

  • 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

Σ1049

Ref. 3834
An early, well-preserved and rare pink gold double-signed anti-magnetic chronograph wristwatch with pink dial, tachymeter and blue telemeter scale, retailed by Ronchi, Milano

Circa 1938
32mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed; dial further signed by retailer

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 320,000 
€19,200-38,400
$20,500-41,000

Place Advance Bid
Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024