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Lot Essay
The present vintage Rolex charms with its unusual reeded and engraved bezel as well as its pink dial. It sits well on the wrist and the pink of the dial combined with the steel and gold combination of the case contrasts delightfully against the wearer's skin. A rare and honest watch, it will be a fine addition to any Rolex collection.
After years of success with the newly invented Oyster model, a wristwatch with screw back and screw down crown, Rolex launched the first Oyster chronograph, reference 3481, in 1939. Immediately afterwards, its larger successor, reference 3668, was presented and remained in production for only a few years.
Produced in small quantities, reference 3668 occupies a unique position in the history of Rolex chronographs as it clearly stands out with its exclusive design incorporating a reeded bezel chased with hour markers. The reeded bezel was available in both pink and yellow gold and fused onto the steel case.
Different versions of reference 3668 are illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 194 - 198. A nice example of the reference with rice grain bracelet can also be found in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 94-95.
After years of success with the newly invented Oyster model, a wristwatch with screw back and screw down crown, Rolex launched the first Oyster chronograph, reference 3481, in 1939. Immediately afterwards, its larger successor, reference 3668, was presented and remained in production for only a few years.
Produced in small quantities, reference 3668 occupies a unique position in the history of Rolex chronographs as it clearly stands out with its exclusive design incorporating a reeded bezel chased with hour markers. The reeded bezel was available in both pink and yellow gold and fused onto the steel case.
Different versions of reference 3668 are illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 194 - 198. A nice example of the reference with rice grain bracelet can also be found in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 94-95.