Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, May 10, 2020

LOT 379

Rolex - Ref. 2508, chronograph, minute recorder; “Anti-Magnetique”; 18K pink gold

HKD 216,000 - 258,000

USD 27,600 - 33,000 / EUR 25,000 - 30,000 / CHF 27,600 - 33,000

18K pink gold, manual-winding, tonneau-shaped, anti-magnetic, gentleman’s wristwatch, snap-on case-back, silver colour dial with subsidiary seconds at 9 and two horological complications: • 1/5 second chronograph (activated by the two rectangular push-pieces) with telemetric scale graduated on the dial for one kilometre and tachometric scale graduated for 1 000 metres • Half-instantaneous 30-minute recorder (subsidiary dial at 3 o’clock).


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3 *
Dial: 3-6-10-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

Patinated

HANDS Original

Brand Rolex, Geneva

Model “Anti-Magnetique”

Reference 2508

Year circa 1955

Movement No. unnumbered

Case No. 52 468 (by Manufacture Favre & Perret, La Chaux-de-Fonds)

Material 18K pink gold

Bracelet black leather strap

Buckle gilded brass Rolex buckle

Height 41.3 mm.

Width 36 mm.

Signature dial, case and movement

Notes

Rolex, Ref. 2508 Antimagnetic (or Anti-Magnetique)
This chronograph reference 2508 was first produced in the mid 1930’s, in 18K yellow or pink gold and in stainless steel non-waterproof cases, with olive-shaped push-buttons (oval pushers), a 14’’’ movement and a diameter of 38 mm. (37.2 mm. to).
After that, it was made with rectangular push-buttons (square pushers), a 13’’’ movement and a 2 mm. smaller case of 36 mm. (35.2 mm. to).
Early 2508’s had the serial numbers punched on the case-back, whereas the last generation had the 6 digits number finely engraved at the edge of the back.
This is the first Rolex chronograph wristwatch to feature two registers on the dial and two pushers in the case.
The sporty and large case is very masculine, and is considered one of the most attractive case designs by any brand of this era. At the time of production, the relatively large case size was incredibly unusual for the period. This reference is a favourite amongst collectors due to its oversized case, flat bezel, and classic no frills design, that is more in-line with those of two other historical Genevan brands: Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.

Bibliography

Patrizzi, Osvaldo, Collecting Rolex Wristwatches, Guido Mondani Editore, Genova, 2001, pp. 390, 392-394 and 480.