Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

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

LOT 315

Two-color Ref. 971 ?1/4 Century Club? Rolex, "Prince Brancard", Eaton "1/4 Century Club", Ref. 971. Case No.74805. Made circa 1932. Very fine and rare, flared, rectangular, curved, 14K yellow and white gold wristwatch. Accompanied by the original fitted box.

CHF 8,000 - 10,000

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

Sold: CHF 11,210

C. Two-body, solid, polished, dedicated case back inscribed "Presented to Thomas Swann to mark a quarter century of continuous service with T. Eaton C., Ltd, 1907 - 1932", white gold flared sides and curved lugs. D. Two-tone silver with the champlevé letters "1/4 Century Club" instead of numerals, subsidiary seconds. Blued steel hands. M. 7 1/2''', rhodium-plated, "Extra Prima", 17 jewels, lateral lever escapement, monometallic balance, 6 adjustments, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, steel dust cover. Dial, case and movement signed. Dim. 24 x 42 mm. Thickness 8 mm. Property of an Asian Collector


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3-33

Good

Restored
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-06

Good

HANDS Partially replaced

Notes

It is much rarer to find the "Prince Brancard " Ref. 971 with a 1/4 Century Club dial and inscription rather than the later Ref. 3937 which was more commonly used by the Eaton Company. The 1/4 Century Club watches were made from the 1930s until as late as the 1960s.