拍品專文
The present timepiece is without a doubt one of the most remarkable, best preserved example of the ultra-rare reference 4313. The case is in superb condition, possibly polished only once a long time ago. The unusual teardrop lugs, the defining feature of this reference, can be admired in all of their glory; the case numbers engraved to the back are as crisp as when the case back had just been minted. The entire case acquired an incredible layer of oxidation which grants the piece and extremely warm tone.
Such warmth is reprised on the dial which captivates the beholder with its astounding champagne color, further enhanced and deepened by the even patina developed over its nearly eighty years of age thanks to the absolute absence of cosmetic interventions. The astoundingly original condition of the dial is apparent when examined under a loupe: every single detail is absolutely unmolested. The black lacquer of the numerals aged and cracked with time, and still somehow it preserved its deep glossy black shine, allowing for perfect legibility and absolute aesthetic impact.
Adding to its condition, it has to be noted that reference 4313 is among the rarest Rolex reference produced. An idea of this rarity can be given by pointing out that over the past decade, Christie's Watch Department sold only three examples of this reference (case no. 270'273 in May 2011; case no. 579'981 in May 2012; case no. 270'305 in May 2013).
Considered its condition and rarity, it is no surprise that it was included as representative of the reference in the "bible" of Rolex collecting: Mr. Goldeberger's "100 Superlative Rolex Watches".
Reference 4313 was launched in the 1940s and is notable for the teardrop shaped lugs, a design hardly ever used by Rolex, and indeed only found on reference 4313. Another unusual feature is its size: with a full 37 mm. diameter, it fully classifies as oversized for the standard of the time. On top of that, the clean dial layout and the unusual lugs further amplify the wrist presence of the timepiece and the final result is among the most impressive, best proportioned and captivating designs that can be found on 1940s chronographs, by any brand.
The present watch is illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 53.
Such warmth is reprised on the dial which captivates the beholder with its astounding champagne color, further enhanced and deepened by the even patina developed over its nearly eighty years of age thanks to the absolute absence of cosmetic interventions. The astoundingly original condition of the dial is apparent when examined under a loupe: every single detail is absolutely unmolested. The black lacquer of the numerals aged and cracked with time, and still somehow it preserved its deep glossy black shine, allowing for perfect legibility and absolute aesthetic impact.
Adding to its condition, it has to be noted that reference 4313 is among the rarest Rolex reference produced. An idea of this rarity can be given by pointing out that over the past decade, Christie's Watch Department sold only three examples of this reference (case no. 270'273 in May 2011; case no. 579'981 in May 2012; case no. 270'305 in May 2013).
Considered its condition and rarity, it is no surprise that it was included as representative of the reference in the "bible" of Rolex collecting: Mr. Goldeberger's "100 Superlative Rolex Watches".
Reference 4313 was launched in the 1940s and is notable for the teardrop shaped lugs, a design hardly ever used by Rolex, and indeed only found on reference 4313. Another unusual feature is its size: with a full 37 mm. diameter, it fully classifies as oversized for the standard of the time. On top of that, the clean dial layout and the unusual lugs further amplify the wrist presence of the timepiece and the final result is among the most impressive, best proportioned and captivating designs that can be found on 1940s chronographs, by any brand.
The present watch is illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 53.