Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jul 19, 2022
LOT 358
ROLEX
REF. 2508, CHRONOGRAPH, MINUTE COUNTER BLACK LACQUERED DIAL SO-CALLED "DUCO" WITH ARCHIMEDEAN SPIRAL SCALE; 18K YELLOW GOLD
REF. 2508, CHRONOGRAPH, MINUTE COUNTER BLACK LACQUERED DIAL SO-CALLED "DUCO" WITH ARCHIMEDEAN SPIRAL SCALE; 18K YELLOW GOLD
EUR 200,000 - 400,000
USD 212,000 - 422,000 / HKD 1,660,000 - 3,310,000 / CHF 202,000 - 404,000
Very fine and extremely rare and well preserved, 18K yellow gold, manual-winding, "tonneau"-shaped, large gentleman’s wristwatch, snap-on case-back, black colour lacquered dial, so-called "Duco", with subsidiary seconds at 9, chronograph with telemetric scale graduated on the dial for one kilometre and tachometric scale graduated in an Archimedean spiral for 400 units, and 30-minute counter.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: |
|
Case: 2-8 |
Very good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 2* |
Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 2-01 |
Very good HANDS Original |
Brand Rolex, Geneva
Reference 2508
Year circa 1936
Case No. 37 130
Material 18K yellow gold
Bracelet black leather strap
Buckle gilded metal buckle
Diameter 37 mm.
Caliber 13''' (based on Valjoux 23 by Reymond Frères, Les Bioux, Vallée de Joux)
Weight 41.1 gr (approx.)
Signature dial, case and movement
Notes
Rolex, Ref. 2508
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. Most of the dial bears the mention "Antimagnetic" or "Anti-Magnétique".
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.
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Black lacquered dial, known as "Duco"
The dial of the watch presented here is purely exceptional!
It is made in a rare technique for the time, in black lacquer, so-called "Duco", from the name of a famous French lacquer brand for automobile bodies which revolutionised the appearance of cars and motorbikes in the 1930s, giving them a mirror-like aspect of the most beautiful effect.
To find such a dial in this state of preservation on a watch today can only attract the covetousness of the most demanding collectors!
--
Black lacquered dial, known as "Duco"
The dial of the watch presented here is purely exceptional!
It is made in a rare technique for the time, in black lacquer, so-called "Duco", from the name of a famous French lacquer brand for automobile bodies which revolutionised the appearance of cars and motorbikes in the 1930s, giving them a mirror-like aspect of the most beautiful effect.
To find such a dial in this state of preservation on a watch today can only attract the covetousness of the most demanding collectors!