Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

New York, Apr 10, 2013

LOT 100

ROLEX REF. 8171 PADELLONE PINK GOLD Rolex, Perpetual, Officially Certified, Chronometer, No. 202, case No. 676618, Ref. 8171. Made circa 1950. Fine and very rare, self-winding, 18K pink gold chronometer wristwatch with triple date, moon phases and an 18K pink gold Oyster-type expansion link bracelet.

USD 70,000 - 100,000

HKD 545,000 - 775,000 / CHF 67,000 - 95,000

Sold: USD 100,900

C. Three-body, polished, inclined bezel, inset calendar adjusters on the band, curved lugs, snap-on case back. D. Matte silver with applied pink gold faceted baton and dart indexes, subsidiary seconds dial, outer minute track and graduation for the days of the month, apertures for the days of the week, the months and the moon phases. Pink gold alpha hands, blue arrow for the date. M. Cal. 10 1/2???, rhodium-plated, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, Super balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Dial, case, and movement signed. DIAM. 38 mm. THICKNESS 14 mm. Approx. overall length 185 mm. Property from an American Collection


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2-11

Very good

Slightly worn
Movement: 2-8*

Very good

Slightly scratched

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

Rolex reference 8171 was produced in very few numbers during 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. Examples of reference 8171 in pink gold are extremely rare and very few appear at auction. The present lot is distinguished by its beautiful dial and well preserved case, with the Rolex crown and case number still visible on the outside of the case back. Similar examples appear in ?The Best of Time - Rolex Wristwatches? by James M. Dowling & Jeffrey P. Hess, p. 209.