Exceptional Horological Sale Celebrat...
Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Apr 24, 2004
LOT 582
Rolex, "Prince Brancard" Chronometer, Ref. 971U, Glasgow import marks for 1930. Fine and rare, flared and curved, rectangular, sterling silver wristwatch.
CHF 5,800 - 7,800
EUR 3,600 - 4,900 / USD 4,500 - 6,000
Sold: CHF 6,325
C. Two-body, solid, polished, stepped rounded sides, dust cap.D. Two-tone silver with painted gold stylized Arabicnumerals in relief, subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "Cathe-drale"hands.M. Cal. 7 1/2''', Extra Prima Observatoryquality, rhodium-plated, 15 jewels, lateral lever escape-ment,Superbalance balance, self-compensatingBreguet balance-spring.Dial, case and movement signed.Dim. 26 X 42 mm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: A |
Good |
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 4 - 35 - 01 |
Notes
Ref. 971-971A-971U The "Prince Brancard" is certainly the most elegant of shaped wristwatches, with its flared rectangular case, slightly curved to perfectly fit the wrist. The first "Prince Brancard" models were produced from 1929 to 1935. The platinum "Brancard" is undoub-tedly the most sought-after among collectors. It is interesting to note that in 1929, the price of this watch was £65 pounds. Similar watches are published in "Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches", by Osvaldo Patrizzi, Guido Mondani Editore, Genova 2001, p. 32.