Important Watches, Collector's Wristw...

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Oct 13, 2001

LOT 377

Rolex "Prince Brancard" Chronometer, Ref. 971, 1930's.Very fine rectangular curved, flared, 18K white and yellow gold gentleman's wristwatch with an 18K pink gold buckle.

CHF 15,000 - 20,000

USD 9,000 - 12,000

Sold: CHF 21,850

C. two-body, bicolor, solid, polished, bezel with white and yellow gold stripes, white gold stepped sides, yellow gold case. D. two-tone silver with painted Arabic numerals, auxiliary seconds dial. "Epée" blued steel hands. M. 7 1/2 ''' Extra Prima, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, lateral lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to 6 positions, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring.Dial, case and movement signed.Dim. 25 x 42 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

Ref. 971-971A-971UThe "Prince Brancard" is certainly the most elegant of shaped wristwatches, with its flared rectangular case, slightly curved to perfectly fit the wrist. The first "Prince Brancard" models were produced from 1929 to 1935. The platinum "Brancard" is undoubtedly the most sought- after among collectors. It is interesting to note that in 1929, the price of this watch was 65 pounds.Similar watches are published in "Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches", by Osvaldo Patrizzi, Guido Mondani Editore, Genova 2001, p. 88.