The Mondani Collection of Rolex Wrist...

Geneva, May 14, 2006

LOT 254

Ref. 3599, Stainless Steel So-Called "Rigid Hooded Bubble-Back" Rolex, ?Oyster Perpetual Chronomètre?, Ref. 3599. Case No. 45032. Made in 1945/6. Very fine and extremely rare, tonneau-shaped, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel gentleman's wristwatch with a stainless steel Rolex buckle.

CHF 30,000 - 40,000

EUR 20,000 - 26,000 / USD 24,000 - 30,000

Sold: CHF 47,200

C. Two-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown, polished fluted hooded lugs. D. Three-tone, silver with luminous Dauphine numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds. Blued steel luminous "baton" hands. M. Cal. 635, 9 3/4''', rhodium-plated, 19 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic ?patented Superbalance?, Breguet balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 32 mm. Thickness 12 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-28-01

Good

Replacements

HANDS Original

Notes

The opportunity of collectors finding a watch in such perfect condition is very rare. The preservation of the dial, the hands and the shaped hooded lugs classify this watch as one of the best examples seen to date. The caliber 635 was produced between 1940 to 1951. This watch is illustrated in ?Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches?, by Osvaldo Patrizzi, 2001 Edition, p. 158, 159.