Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

New York, Apr 25, 2012

LOT 172

ROLEX REF. 8171, PADELLONE, STAINLESS STEEL Rolex, Perpetual, Precision, Ref. 8171. Made circa 1950. Very fine and rare, self-winding, antimagnetic, stainless steel chronometer wristwatch with triple date, moon phases and a stainless steel Rolex buckle.

USD 40,000 - 60,000

EUR 30,000 - 45,000

Sold: USD 50,000

C. Three-body, polished, inclined bezel, concave and curved lugs, snap-on case back, correctors on the band. D. Matte silver with applied steel dart and pyramidal indexes, Arabic 12, outer minute track, subsidiary dial for the seconds, outermost graduation for the days of the month in blue Arabic numerals, apertures for the days of the week, the months and the moon phases. Steel feuille hands. M. Cal. 10 1/2''', rhodium-plated, 22 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, Super balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Dial, case, and movement signed. Diam. 38 mm. Thickness 14 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-10-01

Good

Patinated

HANDS Original

Notes

Rolex reference 8171 was produced in very few numbers in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Throughout their entire run, Rolex has only produced two models of moon phase watches. Reference 8171, which features a snap on back, and reference 6062 which features an Oyster screw down back. Similar examples to the present lot appear in The Best of Time - Rolex Wristwatches by James M. Dowling & Jeffrey P. Hess, p. 209.