Important Collectors' Watches, Pocket...

Geneva, Mar 16, 2008

LOT 692

White Gold Prince Brancard Jump Hour Rolex "Prince Brancard", movement No. 75480, case No. 1578, Ref. 1491, retailed by C. Bucherer. Sold on August 7, 1945. Very fine and extremely rare, jump-hour, rectangular curved, flared, 9K white gold wristwatch with a 14K white gold Rolex buckle. Accompanied by the original certificate, invoice, ?Bulletin d?Observatoire?, and fitted box.

CHF 44,000 - 50,000

USD 40,000 - 45,000 / EUR 27,000 - 31,000

C. Two-body, flared, polished and brushed, stepped sides, back with faint engraved dedication. D. Two-tone brushed gilt with painted Arabic numerals for the minutes, subsidiary seconds, aperture for the jump-hours in gold Arabic numerals on a black ground. Blued steel Moderne hands. M. 7 1/2''', tonneau-shaped, Extra Prima, Observatory quality, rhodium-plated, 15 jewels, lateral lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to 6 positions, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, index regulator. Dial, case, and movement signed. Dim. 25 x 42 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3-15*

Good

Slightly rusted

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

Good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Notes

Prince Brancard The Prince Brancard is undoubtedly the most elegant wristwatch among the form watches: rectangular, flared and slightly curved to fit the wrist. The first Prince Brancard models - Ref. 971, 971A, 971 U and 1490 - were produced from 1929 to 1935; the platinum model is undoubtly the most sought-after Prince among collectors. It is interesting to note that the sale price of this watch was 65 £ in 1929.