Rolex. A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black lacquer dial

Prospective buyers should be aware that the import… Read more

The present collection of rare vintage watches is the result of over 25 years of passionate collecting of a European gentleman. Architect by profession, this collection is exclusively dedicated to and focusing on stainless steel chronographs made by the world's best known watch manufacturer: Rolex. This collection narrates beautifully the history of early Rolex chronographs, starting in the 1930s with the early non-Oyster models and ending in the late 1950's, before the introduction of the celebrated Daytona. The focus was, given the professional background of the collector, on functionality, timeless design and quality. The result of these selecting criteria is indeed mouth watering. All watches are true works of art, impressing a novice by their sheer beauty and charm and the more experienced collector by their seldom seen originality and excellent condition. These chronographs are today often rarer, especially in such condition, than their peers made by the world's most prestigious manufacturers. This is partly due to the very small size of Rolex's production in the earlier years, partly due to the many watches "lost" as a result of excessive wear or inappropriate restoration. Of certain references in this collection we have not even seen a handful of examples being offered at auction in over 30 years! The element which will most please the scholars is to observe how Rolex chronographs developed, in design, shape and size, over a period of a quarter century. Starting "humbly" with flat pushers and cases barely larger than 30 mm. in diameter, they grow in size and appearance to over 35 mm. boasting the typical Oyster cases. The collection will be offered in two parts; the second part will be offered in November 2013, again in this sale room. Christie's are honoured to have been chosen by this gentleman collector for the dispersion of this superb collection.

Rolex. A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black lacquer dial

SIGNED ROLEX, ANTIMAGNETIC, REF. 2811, CASE NO. 034'481, CIRCA 1935

Details

Rolex. A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black lacquer dial
Signed Rolex, Antimagnetic, ref. 2811, case no. 034'481, circa 1935
Cal. 13''' mechanical movement, 17 jewels, black dial, applied baton and Arabic numerals, outer railway five minute divisions, outer telemetre and tachymetre scales, two engine-turned subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30 minutes register, circular case, snap on back, two oval chronograph buttons in the band, stainless steel Rolex buckle, case, dial and movement signed
32 mm. diam.

Special Notice

Prospective buyers should be aware that the importation of Rolex watches into the United States is highly restricted. Rolex watches may not be shipped into the USA and can only be imported personally. Generally a buyer may import only one watch into the USA. For further information please contact our specialists in charge of the sale. Please note other countries may have comparable import restrictions for luxury watches.

Brought to you by

Sabine Kegel

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skegel@christies.com Tel: +41 22 319 17 23

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Lot Essay

Preserved in good and original overall condition, the present watch is fitted with an attractive black lacquer dial. This combination is probably the most sought-after version that a connoisseur could hope for. Reference 2811 was produced in gold and in stainless steel, the first generation, such as the present watch, with olive-shaped chronograph buttons, the second generation with rectangular ones.

Similar examples of reference 2811 are described and illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex- La Legenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 94, 96 & 98.

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