Important collector's watches, wristw...
Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Apr 13, 2002
LOT 338
Rolex "Prince Brancard", Ref. 1490, retailed by c. Bücherer's. Production of this reference started in the 1930's. Fine and rare rectangular curved flared, 18K yellow gold gentleman's wristwatch.
CHF 15,000 - 18,000
EUR 10,000 - 12,000 / USD 9,000 - 11,000
C. two body, polished, stepped sides. D. black with painted gold Arabic numerals, auxiliary seconds dial. "Lozenge" yellow gold hands. M. 7 1/2''', Extra Prima, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, lateral lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to 6 positions, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Dim. 25 x 42 mm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-5-01 |
Good Poor HANDS Original |
Notes
Similar watches are published in "Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches", by Osvaldo Patrizzi, Guido Mondani Editore, Genova, 2001, pp. 34, 35 and 89.
Ref. 971.
Produced in the 1930's as follows: platinum, 18K gold, 14K gold, 9K gold, 18K bicolor gold, 14K bicolor gold, 9K bicolor gold, stainless steel and gold, stainless steel, silver.
Prince Brancard
The Prince Brancard model is certainly the most elegant wristwatch among the form watches: rectangular, flared and slightly curved to fit the wrist well. The first Prince Brancard models - Ref. 971, 971A, 971 U and 1490 - were produced from 1929 to 1935; the platinum model is undoubtedly the most sought-after Prince wristwatch and it is interesting to note that the sale price of this watch was 65 £ in 1929.