Signed Rolex, Ref. 4313, Case No. 270'277, Circa 1945

Reference 4313 was launched in the late 1940s and is characterized by the large teardrop-shaped lugs mounted onto the bezel, a feature found exclusively in this unusual model. The watch offered here for sale stands out further by the unusual choice of a stainless steel and pink gold case, a combination scarcely used for chronographs made by the celebrated house. The atypical dial is distinguished by the omission of any of the technical scales (tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer) that one would usually expect on this reference. Consequently the entire layout could be modified, moving the numerals further to the edge and hence increasing the readability. Interestingly due to the different dial proportions, the watch, already one of Rolex's largest 1940s chronographs, appears even larger.

Amazingly, the distinguishing feature of this watch, the teardrop lugs, still retain their original sculpted appearance further enhancing the enticing aesthetic of this mid 20th century Rolex chronograph. The dial appears to have been reprinted long ago and according to the consignor it sat in a safety deposit box for approximately 50 years to the present day.

For an example of a yellow gold reference 4313, see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, p. 53.