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Lot Essay
This stunning yellow gold and stainless steel reference 3525 is distinguished by the extremely rare black dial, rendering it a superbly elegant appearance.
The Oyster case has retained excellent proportions, the numbers are crisp and clearly readable, the original Oyster Patent crown is still present. Made during the intermediate production of the reference, the serial number is stamped on the outside of the case back and the reference number inside, as opposed to between the lugs, a feature of later models.
Presented with an equally rare steel and gold riveted bracelet, this ref. 3525 chronograph offers collectors truly a rare opportunity to acquire an equally rare vintage Rolex, undoubtedly a great addition to any watch collection.
Reference 3525
Introduced to the market in 1939, reference 3525 was made for the duration of the Second World War with production ending in 1945. Available in pink gold, yellow gold, stainless steel or steel and gold it was an important landmark model for Rolex, the reference being the very first chronograph wristwatch to be fitted with a water-resistant “Oyster” case with screw down crown.
Reference 3525 has the further distinction of being known as the “POW” or prisoner of war watch since it was the model supplied directly by Rolex to captured Western Allied airmen incarcerated in German camps, including Stalag Luft III made famous by the movie “Great Escape”.
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.
The Oyster case has retained excellent proportions, the numbers are crisp and clearly readable, the original Oyster Patent crown is still present. Made during the intermediate production of the reference, the serial number is stamped on the outside of the case back and the reference number inside, as opposed to between the lugs, a feature of later models.
Presented with an equally rare steel and gold riveted bracelet, this ref. 3525 chronograph offers collectors truly a rare opportunity to acquire an equally rare vintage Rolex, undoubtedly a great addition to any watch collection.
Reference 3525
Introduced to the market in 1939, reference 3525 was made for the duration of the Second World War with production ending in 1945. Available in pink gold, yellow gold, stainless steel or steel and gold it was an important landmark model for Rolex, the reference being the very first chronograph wristwatch to be fitted with a water-resistant “Oyster” case with screw down crown.
Reference 3525 has the further distinction of being known as the “POW” or prisoner of war watch since it was the model supplied directly by Rolex to captured Western Allied airmen incarcerated in German camps, including Stalag Luft III made famous by the movie “Great Escape”.
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.