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Lot Essay
The present reference 1690UF is an exceedingly rare specimen of Rolex's celebrated "Prince Brancard" series. In shape and dial design resembling its well known peer reference 971, the connoisseur's eye however immediately notices the difference in size. In fact whereas ref. 971 features an overall case length of 43 mm., ref. 1690UF surpasses these for the time already impressive dimensions by half a centimeter, showing an extraordinary length of 48 mm.
Made in an exceedingly small series it is thought that only one other example of a reference 1690UF has appeared in public to date, however fitted with a yellow and white gold case. One could therefore speculate that this avant-garde creation never went above the prototype stage, most certainly due to the uncertain commercial success of the revolutionary oversized case design.
Furthermore preserved in very good, original overall condition, the appeal enhanced by the unusual retailer's signature, the present "Jumbo Prince" is a must for the aficionado of rare timepieces signed Rolex.
Amongst the most attractive Art Deco wristwatches ever made, the Rolex Prince features a, for the period, very unusual design: a rectangular case with elegantly flared sides and a dial with hours and seconds indication of the same size.The standard size models were cased in several versions comprising 9K, 14K and 18K yellow, white or pink gold, platinum, silver, stainless steel or combinations.
Often called "Doctor's Watch" because of the large hour and seconds indication on the dial, allowing the easy timing of pulse and respiration, the Prince model enjoys great popularity amongst collectors.
Made in an exceedingly small series it is thought that only one other example of a reference 1690UF has appeared in public to date, however fitted with a yellow and white gold case. One could therefore speculate that this avant-garde creation never went above the prototype stage, most certainly due to the uncertain commercial success of the revolutionary oversized case design.
Furthermore preserved in very good, original overall condition, the appeal enhanced by the unusual retailer's signature, the present "Jumbo Prince" is a must for the aficionado of rare timepieces signed Rolex.
Amongst the most attractive Art Deco wristwatches ever made, the Rolex Prince features a, for the period, very unusual design: a rectangular case with elegantly flared sides and a dial with hours and seconds indication of the same size.The standard size models were cased in several versions comprising 9K, 14K and 18K yellow, white or pink gold, platinum, silver, stainless steel or combinations.
Often called "Doctor's Watch" because of the large hour and seconds indication on the dial, allowing the easy timing of pulse and respiration, the Prince model enjoys great popularity amongst collectors.