Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, May 10, 2020

LOT 344

Rolex for Verga - Ref. 1559, patented purse-watch, three-tone sector dial; “Sporting Prince” “Chronomètre”; 18K white gold and stainless steel

HKD 104,000 - 130,000

USD 13,300 - 16,500 / EUR 12,000 - 15,000 / CHF 13,300 - 16,500

18K white gold and stainless steel, manual-winding, horizontal rectangular-shaped, purse-watch, with subsidiary seconds at 3; with hinged central section allowing the watch to be used as a desk timepiece (“bed side clock” function). Spring-loaded case, with guilloché (engine-turned) lines décor; patented sliding mechanism, with stainless steel inner case with spring suspension. Silver three-tone sector dial, with suspended Arabic numerals.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2 *
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Brand Rolex, Geneva

Model “Sporting Prince” “Chronomètre”; made for Verga, Rome (Italy)

Reference 1559

Year circa 1930-1935

Case No. No. 2 451 (by Schmitz & Cie, Nidau; with Glasgow import marks for 1931-1932)

Material 18K white gold and stainless steel

Caliber TS 300, 7’’’ ½, “Extra Prima”, “Observatory Quality”, lateral lever escapement, timed 6 positions (with stainless steel protective dust cap)

Height 33.1 mm.

Width 47.8 mm.

Signature dial, case and movement

Accessories stainless steel fine chain and “crocodile” clip

Biography

Rolex, “montre de sac”, “Sporting Princess” or “Sporting Prince”
The design was invented by Hans Wilsdorf, the owner of Rolex, and registered in Switzerland on December 26, 1929. The patent was granted almost two years later. It employs simple and reliable closing mechanism and the “Prince” dial and movement.