Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

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

LOT 29

Yellow Gold Ref. 4500, So-Called ?Monoblocco? Rolex, ?Oyster, Chronographe, Anti-Magnetique?, Ref. 4500. Case No. 533662. Made in 1946. Very fine and rare, tonneau-shaped, water-resistant, 18K yellow gold gentleman's wristwatch with round button chronograph, register, tachometer and telemeter.

CHF 35,000 - 40,000

EUR 22,000 - 25,000 / USD 28,000 - 32,000

Sold: CHF 55,460

C. Two-body, polished, screwed-down case back and crown. D. Silvered with applied gold dart indexes and Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds and 30-minute register dials, outer tachometer and telemeter scales. Gold "baton" hands. M. Cal. 23, 13''', rhodium plated, 17 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 36 mm. Thickness 13 mm. Property of a German Collector


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3-33

Good

Restored
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Notes

Ref. 4500 was produced in the mid-1940s in stainless steel, steel and gold as well as 18K yellow and 18K pink gold. The watch with the previous case number is illustrated in ?Rolex, Collecting Modern and Vintage Wristwatches", by Osvaldo Patrizzi, Guido Mondani Editore, Genova 2005, vol. I, p. 115.