Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

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

LOT 318

Ref. 3359 ?Imperial Chronomètre? Rolex "Oyster, Imperial Chronometer?, Ref. 3359. Case No. 278968. Made in 1943. Very fine and rare, tonneau-shaped, center seconds, waterresistant stainless steel and pink gold gentleman's chronometer wristwatch with stainless steel and pink gold Rolex by Gay Freres ?Grain of Rice? bracelet. Accompanied by its original fitted box.

CHF 8,000 - 10,000

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

Sold: CHF 29,500

C. Three-body, bi-color, polished, screwed-down steel case back and gold crown, pink gold reeded graduated bezel. D. Gloss black with gilt dot hours, outer gilt minute/fifth second divisions with Arabic five minutes. Yellow gold fancy hands. M. Cal. 10 1/2''', ?Ultra-Prima? rhodium-plated, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, Super-balance timed in 6 positions, selfcompensating Breguet balance-spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 30 mm. Thickness 11 mm. Property of an Asian Collector


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-16-01

Very good

Rusted

HANDS Original

Notes

This is the first example of this reference to have passed through these rooms with a black dial. The rarity of the present lot is further heightened by its excellent overall unrestored condition. A similar watch is published in ?Rolex, Collecting Modern and Vintage Wristwatches?, by Osvaldo Patrizzi, Guido Mondani Editore, 2005, vol. I, p. 186.