Lot Essay
Reference 4537 is considered amongst the rarest gems in the Rolex Oyster chronograph family. Made during a very short period only, it was the first chronograph by Rolex with three subsidiary dials and the modernized "tonneau-shaped" Oyster case. In fact, it replaced reference 4048 which still featured the more round "Calatrava-style" case.
Examples of reference 4537 in such original and well-preserved condition like the present watch are exceedingly rare. The specimen offered here for sale stands out by numerous details which are paramount to the demanding collector, such as the correct "Rolex Oyster" crown centred by the Swiss cross, the black lacquer dial with gilt printing and retailer's signature Beyer Zürich.
This watch is not only an outstanding rarity in excellent overall condition but most importantly also an extremely attractive chronograph, one of the best-looking watches for daily wear.
A predecessor of reference 6034 (see lot 336 in this auction), reference 4537 was available in yellow gold, pink gold and in stainless steel.
Different examples of reference 4537 are described and illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 222-227, and in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, p. 112.
Beyer Chronometrie Zurich
Founded in 1760 and celebrating their 250th anniversary this year, the prestigious firm has always been passed down from father to son, each a fully trained watchmaker. Beyer Chronometrie was the first shop in Switzerland specializing exclusively in watches, clocks and jewellery. The firm is currently managed by René Beyer who represents the seventh generation of the Beyer family.
The company also owns the renowned Clock and Watch Museum Beyer Zürich, one of the world's most important horological collections. It comprises some 500 pieces dating from 1400 BC to the present day.
Examples of reference 4537 in such original and well-preserved condition like the present watch are exceedingly rare. The specimen offered here for sale stands out by numerous details which are paramount to the demanding collector, such as the correct "Rolex Oyster" crown centred by the Swiss cross, the black lacquer dial with gilt printing and retailer's signature Beyer Zürich.
This watch is not only an outstanding rarity in excellent overall condition but most importantly also an extremely attractive chronograph, one of the best-looking watches for daily wear.
A predecessor of reference 6034 (see lot 336 in this auction), reference 4537 was available in yellow gold, pink gold and in stainless steel.
Different examples of reference 4537 are described and illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 222-227, and in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, p. 112.
Beyer Chronometrie Zurich
Founded in 1760 and celebrating their 250th anniversary this year, the prestigious firm has always been passed down from father to son, each a fully trained watchmaker. Beyer Chronometrie was the first shop in Switzerland specializing exclusively in watches, clocks and jewellery. The firm is currently managed by René Beyer who represents the seventh generation of the Beyer family.
The company also owns the renowned Clock and Watch Museum Beyer Zürich, one of the world's most important horological collections. It comprises some 500 pieces dating from 1400 BC to the present day.