.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The watch on offer here is a very fine example of the rare Rolex reference 3525. Known among Italian collectors as "barilotto" or "keg" due to its shape, it is equally referred to as "monoblocco" as its case has been forged in one piece, with the obvious exception of the case back.
Production of reference 3525 was launched in 1939. The model was made in stainless steel, yellow and pink gold as well as combined steel and gold (be it yellow or pink). Some examples of this reference were supplied by Rolex to British Officers who were prisoners of war, or POWs, in German war camps during the Second World War. It is known that, by order of Hans Wilsdorf, POWs could order their Rolex from the prison camp. It would be immediately shipped to them on good faith, with no payment required until the return of the prisoner home.
The present examples is highlighted by a number of unusual traits which undoubtedly render it one of the most interesting and collectible examples of this reference. Not only the case is in pink gold, but the dial as well is matching in pink. The dial is luminous, with radium numerals and luminous hands, and it furthermore features the extremely rare Philippe Béguin signature. A Rolex retailer active until the mid-fifties, Béguin had two shops in Geneva. A most unusual retailer signature at large, it is even more surprising to be found on a chronograph wristwatch, as most Béguin-signed timepieces are simple time-only watches. Finally, a layer of intellectual appeal is offered by the case back featuring the early signature Oyster Watch Co., and the details of the English patents.
Different versions of this model are illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 96-107, and in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 162-192.
Production of reference 3525 was launched in 1939. The model was made in stainless steel, yellow and pink gold as well as combined steel and gold (be it yellow or pink). Some examples of this reference were supplied by Rolex to British Officers who were prisoners of war, or POWs, in German war camps during the Second World War. It is known that, by order of Hans Wilsdorf, POWs could order their Rolex from the prison camp. It would be immediately shipped to them on good faith, with no payment required until the return of the prisoner home.
The present examples is highlighted by a number of unusual traits which undoubtedly render it one of the most interesting and collectible examples of this reference. Not only the case is in pink gold, but the dial as well is matching in pink. The dial is luminous, with radium numerals and luminous hands, and it furthermore features the extremely rare Philippe Béguin signature. A Rolex retailer active until the mid-fifties, Béguin had two shops in Geneva. A most unusual retailer signature at large, it is even more surprising to be found on a chronograph wristwatch, as most Béguin-signed timepieces are simple time-only watches. Finally, a layer of intellectual appeal is offered by the case back featuring the early signature Oyster Watch Co., and the details of the English patents.
Different versions of this model are illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 96-107, and in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 162-192.