The Mondani Collection of Rolex Wrist...

Geneva, May 14, 2006

LOT 216

Ref. 2849, Stainless Steel So-Called ?Lifesaver? Rolex, ?Oyster Chronometer?, Ref. 2849. Case No. 87464. Made in 1937. Fine and very rare, round, stainless steel gentlemen?s wristwatch with concealed lugs.

CHF 8,000 - 10,000

EUR 5,000 - 6,500 / USD 6,300 - 8,000

Sold: CHF 9,440

C. Three-body, solid, polished and brushed, screweddown case back and recessed crown, large stepped bezel, and concealed lugs. D. Two-tone silvered with printed square indexes and Roman quarters, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "bâton" hands. M. Cal. 500 8 3/4???, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance ?adjusted in eight ways?, self-compensating Breguet balance- spring. Dial and movement signed Rolex, case signed Oyster Watch Co. Diam. 32.5 mm. Thickness 13 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-23

Good

Later
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

Reference 2849 is called ?Lifesaver? by collectors due to its resemblance to the lifebelts found on ships. This reference was advertised under the heading ?Oyster De Luxe? in period advertising and was made in stainless steel only. The Caliber 500, was created in 1935 and in was in production from 1943 to 1953. This watch is illustrated in ?Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches?, by Osvaldo Patrizzi, 2001 Edition, pp. 102, 103.