The Mondani Collection of Rolex Wrist...

Geneva, May 14, 2006

LOT 56

The Mondani Collection ?Foundation Watch? Ref 8171, So-called "Padellone" Rolex, ? Perpetual, Officially Certified Chronometer?, Ref. 8171. Case No.717115. Made in 1950. Very fine and rare astronomic, self-winding, 18K pink gold gentleman's wristwatch with triple date, moon phases and 18k yellow gold expanding Oyster bracelet.

CHF 60,000 - 100,000

EUR 40,000 - 65,000 / USD 45,000 - 80,000

Sold: CHF 141,000

C.Three-body, polished, sloped bezel, concave and curved lugs. D. Two-tone silver with applied yellow gold baton indexes, subsidiary seconds, outer graduation for the days of the month in blue Arabic numerals, apertures for the days of the week, the months and the moon phases. Yellow gold "Dauphine" hands. M. Cal. 10 1/2''', rhodium-plated, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring. Dial, case, and movement signed. Diam. 38 mm. Thickness 13.2mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 2

Very good
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

The reference 8171 is one of the most sought after models by collectors. It was produced from 1949-1952 in 18k yellow and pink gold as well as stainless steel. The excellent un-restored condition of the present watch including the interior of the case back gives the collector an excellent opportunity to understand better the production techniques of Rolex. For example the number 111 stamped in the case back refers to the fact that the present watch was the 111th example of a reference 8171 made in yellow gold. This watch is illustrated in ?Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches?, by Osvaldo Patrizzi, 2001 Edition, pp. 68-69.