Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Du Rhône, Nov 12, 2006

LOT 18

Ref 8171, So-called "Padellone" Rolex, ? Perpetual, Officially Certified Chronometer?, Ref. 8171, No. 672624. Made in 1950. Very fine and rare, astronomic, self-winding, 18K yellow gold gentleman's wristwatch with triple date, moon phases and a gold plated Rolex buckle.

CHF 70,000 - 90,000

EUR 45,000 - 57,000 / USD 55,000 - 72,000

Sold: CHF 92,040

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, inclined bezel, concave and curved lugs, snap-on back. 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, patented ?Superbalance?, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring, micrometer regulator. Dial, case, and movement signed. Diam. 38 mm. Thickness 13.2 mm. Property of a Hong Kong Collector


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-6-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Notes

Ref. 8171 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 635 stamped in the case back refers to the fact that the present watch was the 635th example of a reference 8171 made in yellow gold. A similar watch is illustrated in ?Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches?, by Osvaldo Patrizzi, 2006 Edition, vol. I, p. 62-63.