Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, May 10, 2020

LOT 367

Rolex - Ref. 3055, small chronograph, minute recorder, black sector dial; “Anti Magnetic”, so-called “Piccolino” “Double “Swiss”; 18K yellow gold

HKD 208,000 - 242,000

USD 26,500 - 30,900 / EUR 24,000 - 28,000 / CHF 26,500 - 30,900

Sold: HKD 231,250

18K yellow gold, manual-winding, tonneau-shaped, anti-magnetic, small gentleman’s wristwatch, with snap-on case-back, concave fluted lugs, stepped bezel, black colour dial with subsidiary seconds at 9 and two horological complications: • 1/5 second chronograph (activated by the two olive-shaped push-pieces) with telemetric scale graduated on the dial for one kilometres • Half-instantaneous 30-minute recorder (subsidiary dial at 3 o’clock). Black colour sector dial with suspended Arabic gold painted numerals; double “Swiss”.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3 *
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Brand Rolex, Geneva

Model “Anti Magnetic”

Reference 3055

Year circa 1935-1937

Movement No. unnumbered

Material 18K yellow gold

Bracelet brown leather strap

Buckle gilded brass buckle

Caliber 10’’’ ½ (based on Valjoux 69)

Height 36 mm.

Width 29.7 mm.

Signature dial, case and movement

Notes

Rolex, Ref. 3055
This reference was first produced in the 1930’s with olive-shaped push-pieces, then relaunched in the 1950’s (1956-1957) with an updated dial and rectangular push-pieces.
In the 1930’s, this watch with its 10’’’ ½ movement – created by Valjoux in 1936-1937 –, was, in period advertising, stated to be the smallest chronograph in the world. It seems to be produced in 20 examples in pink gold and 200 examples in yellow gold. It was available also in stainless steel at a cost of 1 025 Italian Lire. In 18K yellow or 18K pink gold it was sold for 2 000 Italian Lire. In the same advertisement a Rolex 18K gold chronograph pocket watch was priced at 1 920 Italian Lire.
In 1956-1957, it was produced in only 100 examples in gold and 200 examples in stainless steel.
The watch is so-called “Piccolino” by Italian collectors.
Bibliography

Patrizzi, Osvaldo, Collecting Rolex Wristwatches, Genova, Guido Mondani Editions, 2001, pp. 395-397 and 481.