Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Nov 10, 2013

LOT 105

ROLEX PRINCE IMPERIAL REF 1645 BLACK DIAL Rolex, Prince Imperial, Ref. 1645, case No. 4810. Made circa 1940. Fine and rare, 18k yellow gold keyless pocket watch with "Class A" Observatory movement.

CHF 10,000 - 15,000

HKD 83,000 - 125,000 / USD 10,500 - 16,000

Sold: CHF 13,750

Two-body, irregular hexagonal, polished, snap on case back. Black, white painted baton indexes, white steel baton hands, outer minutes track, subsidiary seconds dial at 6. White baton hands. Oval Ultra Prima, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to 8 positions, self-compensating blued steel Breguet balance spring, with Rolex patented cap, index regulator. Dial, case and movement signed.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-8-01

Very good

Slightly scratched

HANDS Original

Notes

DIAM. 41mm.x 37mm. Produced in small quantities from the early 1940's until the 1950's, the Rolex Imperial was unusual, even by Rolex standards. With a novel case shape, this was an elegant evening dress pocket watch that could be worn for a night out at the theater. A very well conserved black dial combined with an observatory quality finished movement and the contrast with the yellow gold case makes this piece highly desirable. This is only the third example with a black dial to be offered at auction over the past 15 years.