The Art of Horology in Geneva
Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 13, 1999
LOT 244
Rolex, Prince Brancard, Ref. 971 U, 1930's.Very fine and rare, rectangular curved, platinum gentleman's wristwatch.
CHF 22,000 - 26,000
C. two body, flared, massive, polished, stepped sides. D. two-tone silver with radium-coated Arabic numerals, auxiliary seconds dial. "Lozenge" skeleton hands. M. 7 1/2''', Extra Prima Observatory quality,''', rhodium plated, 15 jewels, lateral lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to all climates,6 adjusments, self-compensating Breguet balance spring.Dial, case and movement signed.Dim. 25 x 43 mm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 4 |
Fair |
Movement: * 4 - 6 |
|
Dial: 4-6-7-01 |
Fair Slightly oxidized Oxidized HANDS Original |
Notes
Ref. 971 UProduced in the 1930's, as follows: platinum, 18K gold,14K gold, 9K gold, 18K bicolour gold, 14K bicolour gold,9K bicolour gold, stainless steel and gold, stainless steel, silver.Prince BrancardThe model Prince Brancard is certainly the most elegant wristwatch among the form watches: rectangular, flared and slightly curved to fit well onto the wrist. The first models Prince Brancard - Ref. 971, 971A, 971 U and 1490 - were produced from 1929 to 1935; the platinum model is undoubtly the most sought after Prince among collectors and it is very interesting to know that the sale price of this watch was 65 £ in 1929.Similar watches are published in Collezionare Orologi da Polso Rolex, 1998 Edition, by Osvaldo Patrizzi, Guido Mondani Editore, Genova, pp. 26, 28, 29, 74 and 75.From an Oriental Gentleman