Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Mar 17, 2013

LOT 493

ROLEX REF. 6202 MONOMETER Rolex, ?Monometer, Oyster Perpetual, Officially Certified Chronometer?, Ref. 6202. Case No. 949401. Made in 1953. Fine and extremely rare, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, tonneau-shaped, stainless steel gentleman?s wristwatch, with bi-directional revolving black bezel. Accompanied by a service invoice from Rolex Geneva dated December 1990. Property of The Original Owner

CHF 30,000 - 40,000

USD 33,000 - 45,000 / EUR 25,000 - 33,000

Sold: CHF 45,000

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown, black graduated revolving bezel with arrow showing the zero point. D. Black with triangular, round and bâton luminous indexes, gilt outer minute/seconds track. Luminous gilt ?baton? hands, end dot seconds hand. M. Cal. A260, rhodium-plated, ?fausses côtes? decoration, 19 jewels, straight line lever escapement, Superbalance, self-compensating Breguet balancespring, index regulator. Dial, case and movement signed. DIAM. 35 mm. THICKNESS 13 mm


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-8

Good

Slightly scratched
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Good

Patinated

HANDS Original

Notes

The rarity of the 6202 Monometer has never been questioned by collectors. Only four examples have appeared in the last 20 years on the market and are found with either honeycomb or regular dials (such as this example). Bought new in 1953, the watch was well cared being serviced exclusively by Rolex in 1962, 1965, 1967 and for a last time in 1990. Known as the earliest Submariner despite not carrying that name yet, Rolex was obviously still experimenting with the right name, cased in the 6202 Turnograph case. Reasons for the name Monometer are still not clear but it obviously sounds very scientific just like an instrument used to measure depths. Still equipped with its original bezel and pencil hands with a lollipop second, a rare opportunity to complete one?s early Submariner collection.