Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Monaco, Jul 19, 2022

LOT 49

ROLEX
REF. 1559, PATENTED PURSE WATCH, SILVER THREE-TONE SECTOR "TUXEDO" DIAL; "SPORTING PRINCE"; 9K YELLOW GOLD AND STAINLESS STEEL

EUR 6,000 - 12,000

USD 6,400 - 12,700 / HKD 49,600 - 100,000 / CHF 6,100 - 12,100

Sold: EUR 9,100

9K yellow gold and stainless steel, manual-winding, horizontal rectangular-shaped, purse-watch, with silver three-tone sector dial, so-called "Tuxedo", with suspended Arabic numerals and 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.


Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent

Case: 2

Very good

Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Brand Rolex, Geneva

Model "Sporting Prince"; retailed by Alex Clark

Reference 1559

Year circa 1930

Movement No. 74 396

Case No. 2 417 (by Schmitz & Cie, Nidau; with Glasgow import marks for 1931-1932)

Material 9K yellow gold

Caliber TS 300, 7’’’ ½, “Extra Prima”, “Observatory Quality”, lateral lever escapement, timed 6 positions, 15 jewels (with stainless steel protective dust cap)

Height 34.6 mm.

Width 49.4 mm.

Weight 57.5 gr. (approx.)

Signature dial, case and movement

Accessories copies of the invention patents

Notes

Rolex, “montre de sac”, “Sporting Princess” or “Sporting Prince”

The design of this purse-watch was invented by Hans Wilsdorf (1881-1960), the founder 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.

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Found in a variety of case finishes, plain silver, lacquer or reptile skin, these rare travel watches made by Rolex were prone to damage. This particular example retailed by Alex Clark has remained in close to mint condition, with a particularly attractive three-tone “tuxedo”-style or “Prince” dial and an ever rarer 9K yellow gold case.

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