Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Nov 16, 2008

LOT 284

Ref. 3716 Stainless Steel ?Impero? Black Dial. Rolex, ?Oyster Perpetual Chronomètre?, Ref. 3716. Case No. 156649. Made in 1940. Very fine and very rare, self-winding,water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch with a stainless steel Rolex ?Bamboo? bracelet.

CHF 18,000 - 23,000

USD 17,000 - 21,000 / EUR 11,000 - 14,000

Sold: CHF 15,600

C. Two-body, "Empire", polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and winding-crown, straight lapidated lugs. D. Black with painted gold Roman numerals and baton indexes, outer minute divisions, subsidiary seconds dial. Yellow gold baton hands. M. Cal. 635, 9 3/4''', rhodium-plated, 19 jewels, straight line lever escapement, Superbalance adjusted to six positions, self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Dial and movement signed. Diam. 32 mm. Thickness 13 mm. Approx. overall length 180 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3-6*

Good

Slightly oxidized

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

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

Reference 3548 and 3716 are identical with the exception that the 3716 has subsidiary seconds and the 3548 has center seconds. In period advertisements, this watch is called ?Impero?. The caliber 635 was produced between 1940 to 1951. This watch was formerly in the sale of the Mondani collection on May 14, 2006, lot 291.