Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

New York, Dec 08, 2010

LOT 128

Rolex Trident Display, Circa 1960. An extremely rare window display.

USD 8,000 - 12,000

CHF 8,000 - 12,000 / EUR 5,800 - 8,500

Sold: USD 13,750

Green and brass enamel, crescent-shaped appearing to be pierced by a trident, supported by two stylized fish holding a glass fishbowl, the lid with lower acrylic watch ?C? clip, the upper bearing a plaque with the Rolex name and crown logo, stating on one side ?Heure exacte?, the other ?Exact Time?. Base numbered 313 In very good overall condition


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Notes

The fishbowl represents the rarest and most desirable Rolex accessory. This display would have been used in a retailer?s window to show off the amazing water-resistance of Rolex watches. The relatively small number made and the fragility of its glass bowl make this the ultimate Rolex display. Rolex promoted the world's first waterproof and airtight wristwatch with their dedicated window displays. On November 9, 1922, Rolex advertised an aquarium containing a number of fish and a Rolex watch suspended in the water. In 1926, when the "Oyster" was introduced, Rolex placed the aquarium display prominently in shop windows to tout its Oyster case. The plain aquarium display eventually developed into the more elaborate fishbowl displays which are mounted on top of a complex enameled themed motif with the watch totally submersed in water.