The Art of Horology in Geneva

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 13, 1999

LOT 273

Rolex, Genève, No. 3917, case No. 579555, Ref. 4262 (Heures Universelles), made in 1948.Very fine and extremely rare 18K pink gold "World Time", keyless dress watch, in original fitted box.

CHF 40,000 - 50,000

C. Three piece, massive, "variée", polished with satiné back. D. Satiné silvered with applied gold Roman numerals and indexes, outer Arabic dark and light revolving chapter ring for day and night hours and the world time chapter ring, bearing the name of31 cities, regions and countries around the world according to the Louis Cottier World Time Patent. Gold hands. M. 16''', rhodium plated, "fausses côtes" decoration, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance with screws, timed in six positions self-compensating balance spring, blued-steel Breguet balance spring.Signed on the dial, case and movement.Diam. 45 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: * 2
Dial: 2 - 01

Notes

Rolex "World Timers"The "World Time" system was invented around 1935 by Louis Cottier (1894-1966), famous independent watchmaker in Geneva. This "World Time" system was used by Rolex and also by other major names in the Swiss watch industry, such as Agassiz, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.