Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, Apr 25, 2021

LOT 56

ROLEX
Ref. 3335, oversize chronograph, minute and hour counters; “Antimagnetic”; stainless steel

HKD 280,000 - 323,050

USD 35,700 - 41,650 / CHF 33,200 - 38,710

Stainless steel, manual-winding, tonneau-shaped, anti-magnetic, oversized gentleman’s wristwatch, with snap-on case-back, round inclined bezel, silver colour dial with large suspended luminescent Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds at 9 and three horological complications:
  • 1/5 second chronograph (activated by the two rectangular push-pieces) with telemetric scale graduated on the dial for one mile (1 609.33 metres)
  • Half-instantaneous 30-minute counter (subsidiary dial at 3 o’clock)
  • 12-hour counter (subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock)


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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: 3-6-8-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

Slightly scratched

HANDS Original

Brand Rolex, Geneva

Model “Antimagnetique”

Reference 3335

Year Circa 1939-1940

Movement No. unnumbered

Case No. 047 490

Bracelet brown leather strap

Buckle stainless steel Rolex buckle

Diameter 37.4 mm. (bezel)

Caliber 14’’’ (based on Valjoux 22 by Reymond Frères, Les Bioux, Vallée de Joux)

Dimensions 44 x 37.4 mm.

Signature dial, case and movement

Notes

Rolex, Ref. 3335
This reference is launched in 1939 and was produced for only a year from 1939 to 1940.
This reference is a milestone for Rolex for different reasons.
The first is its impressive size for its time, measuring around 38 mm. in diameter.
It was the first chronograph to integrate a third register to record the hours elapsed.
Often found with telemeter and tachometer scales, rarely with pulsometer scale, some examples are fitted with a simple configuration that further enhances their sizes.
It’s one of the rarest and most desirable early Rolex chronographs, only 250 pieces were made in pink, yellow gold and stainless steel cases.
Bibliography
  • Pucci, Papaleo, I Chronografi Rolex, La Leggenda, pp. 124-126.