Rolex - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1951
    Reference No: 8171
    Movement No: G4594
    Case No: 660’335
    Model Name: Padellone
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 10 ½’’, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Dimensions: 38mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a green leather Rolex presentation box

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex’s references 8171 and 6062 are two of the most legendary mid-20th century timepieces, and the brands only models produced featuring triple calendar and moon phase. Today, collectors more closely associate Rolex timepieces with vintage and modern “tool” and sports wristwatches, however these mythical references are highly sought after, and rare to find. The reference 6062 featured the signature Oyster-case with a large 36mm diameter, while the reference 8171 boasted a robust 38mm case. Both models were produced during a short period between 1949 and 1952 and were available in yellow gold, pink gold or stainless steel. It is interesting to note that almost half a century would pass before Rolex re-introduced another Rolex model with moon phase, the Cellini Moonphase, which was released in 2017.

    The reference 8171 impresses not only with its large 38mm diameter, in particular when considering large gentlemen’s’ watches in 1950s were around 35mm, but also with its harmonious case proportion and razor sharp edges, facets and angles. As identified by the case code “115”, these extraordinary cases were made by Favre-Perret based in La-Chaux-de Fonds, and given their “frying pan” shape are affectionately nicknamed “Padellone” by collectors due to this distinctive design. Research indicates approximately 350 examples in pink gold were made with only approximately 30 known examples.

    Due to its sheer expanse, the dial is what draws the eye first when any Padellone ref. 8171 is evaluated by collectors and aficionados. The present watch has an absolutely beautiful, original two-tone dial that is not only extremely well preserved, but also having an inner dial that has aged to a very pleasing, uniform lemon crème color that harmonizes perfectly with the luster of the case. The blue numerals on the outer grainé track are well equally well-preserved with no signs of fading or loss. The overall effect is sublime. Its case remains thick and full, with strong hallmarks on its case band and underside of the lug. Exhibiting very little wear consistent with the condition of the dial, the case was beautifully detailed to remove nicks and scratches.

    The present “Padellone” is only the second pink gold example Phillips has ever offered. Never before appearing publicly to our knowledge, it is one of the most beautiful examples to be offered on the market in recent years. This timepiece offers collectors the opportunity to own one of the most beautiful and charismatic examples of the reference 8171 to surface in recent me

  • 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. 8171
An extremely rare, highly attractive, and well-preserved pink gold triple calendar wristwatch with moon phase, and presentation box

Circa 1951
38mm Diameter
Case, dial, and movement signed

Estimate
$300,000 - 600,000 
CHF275,000-550,000
€254,000-509,000
HK$2,330,000-4,650,000

Sold for $277,200

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020