Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

New York, Mar 10, 2010

LOT 333

Rolex Ref. 3548 Empire - Personal Watch of R.J. Vanevenhoven, World War II Pilot Rolex, "Oyster Perpetual Chronometer ? Empire," No. 95233, case No. 142728, Ref. 3548. Made in 1941. Fine and very rare, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch with a sterling silver bracelet decorated with eagle wings. Accompanied by the original fitted box, Chronometer Certificate, sterling silver Air Force Officer?s broche, engraved I.D. bracelet, silver onyx ring with Air force decoration, Vanevenhoven?s pilot's license dated July 6th, 1944, his ?Short-Snorter? (chain of 11 international bank notes), AAF cloth charts, Milwaukee newspaper dated February 4th, 1945, U.S. Army magazine and various other paraphernalia.

C. Two-body, "Empire", polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown, straight rounded lugs. D. Ivory color with printed Roman numerals and baton indexes. Yellow gold feuille hands. M. Cal. 620, rhodium-plated, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to 6 positions, blued steel Breguet balance spring, swan neck micrometer regulator. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 32 mm. Thickness 13 mm. Approx. overall length 190 mm.