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
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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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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