Important Collectors Watches, Pocket ...
Geneva, May 10, 2009
LOT 23
Ref. 971 ?1/4 Century Club? Rolex, "Prince Brancard", Eaton "1/4 Century Club", case No. 1472, Ref. 971. Made circa 1932 for the 25th anniversary of the Quarter Century Club. Very fine and rare, flared, rectangular, curved, 14K yellow and white gold wristwatch with a gold-plated Rolex buckle.
CHF 8,000 - 12,000
USD 7,000 - 10,000 / EUR 5,300 - 8,000
Sold: CHF 9,600
C. Two-body, solid, polished, snap-on case back engraved with "Presented to T.D. Switzer to mark a quarter century of continuous service with T. Eaton C., Ltd, 1907 - 1932", flared sides, curved lugs, anti-dust protective cap. D. Two-tone silver with the champlevé letters "1/4 Century Club" instead of numerals, inner minute track, subsidiary dial for the seconds. Blued steel feuille hands. M. 7 1/2???, rhodium-plated, "Extra Prima", 15 jewels, lateral lever escapement, monometallic balance, timed to 6 positions, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, index regulator. Dial, case and movement signed. Dim. 23 x 36 mm. Thickness 8 mm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-12-01 |
Good Worn HANDS Original |
Notes
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.