Hong Kong, Nov 26, 2022
LOT 462
ROLEX
REF. 2508, CHRONOGRAPH, MINUTE COUNTER; “ANTI-MAGNETIQUE”; 18K PINK GOLD
HKD 118,000 - 236,000
EUR 15,000 - 30,000 / CHF 14,800 - 29,600 / USD 15,000 - 29,900
Sold: HKD 162,500
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 located on the case-band) with telemetric scale graduated on the dial for one kilometre and tachometric scale graduated for 1 000 metres
· Half-instantaneous 30-minute counter (subsidiary dial at 3 o’clock)
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
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
Diameter 36 mm. (bezel)
Caliber 13’’’ (based on Valjoux 23 by Reymond Frères, Les Bioux, Vallée de Joux)
Dimensions 41.3 x 36 mm.
Signature dial, case and movement
Notes
Rolex, Ref. 2508 Antimagnetic (or Anti-Magnetique)
The 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.