100 Years of Wristwatches
Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 19, 2000
LOT 55
Rolex 'Prince Brancard' Chronometer, Ref. 1491 HS, 1930's.Very fine and rare, jumping-hours, rectangular curved, stainless steel 'Rolésium' gentleman's wristwatch.Accompanied by a stainless steel Rolex linked bracelet.
CHF 20,000 - 25,000
USD 12,000 - 15,000
Sold: CHF 31,050
C. two-body, flared, polished, stepped sides. D. two-tone silver with painted Arabic numerals for the minutes,auxiliary seconds dial, aperture for the jump-hours. 'Moderne' blued steel hands. M. 7 1/2''', Observatory quality,rhodium plated, 17 jewels, lateral lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to 6 positions, self-compensatingBreguet balance spring.Dial, case, and movement signed.Dim. 25 x 42 mm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 3 - 5* |
|
Dial: 3 - 6 - 01 |
Notes
Ref 1491 and 1491 HS.Produced in solid silver, in stainless steel, stainless steel and gold, in 9K, 14K, and 18K gold, in 9K, 14K and 18K two-colorgold, and in platinum.The 'Prince Brancard' is certainly the most elegant wristwatch among the shaped watches, with its rectangular,flared case, slightly curved to better fit the wrist structure. The first 'Prince Brancard' models were produced from1929 to 1935. The platinum model is undoubtedly the most sought-after among collectors. It is interesting to note thatin 1929 the price of this watch was 65 pounds.Similar watches are published in 'Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches' by Osvaldo Patrizzi, Guido Mondani EditoreGenova, 1998, pp. 28 and 75.