Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, May 10, 2020

LOT 85

Rolex - Ref. 3525, chronograph, minute recorder, black “Double Swiss” dial; “Anti Magnetic”; stainless steel

HKD 180,000 - 220,000

USD 23,100 - 28,300 / EUR 21,600 - 26,400 / CHF 23,100 - 28,300

Sold: HKD 450,000

Stainless steel, manual-winding, tonneau-shaped, anti-magnetic, gentleman’s wristwatch, with screwed case-back, black colour dial with subsidiary seconds at 9 and two horological complications: • 1/5 second chronograph (activated by the two round push-pieces) with telemetric scale graduated on the dial for 1 000 metres • Half-instantaneous 30-minute recorder (subsidiary dial at 3 o’clock). Black colour dial with suspended applied Arabic numerals and “Double Swiss”.


Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent

Case: 3-8

Good

Slightly scratched

Movement: 3 *
Dial: 3-6-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Brand Rolex, Geneva

Model “Anti Magnetic”

Reference 3525

Year circa 1947

Movement No. unnumbered

Case No. 562 413

Material stainless steel

Bracelet brown lizard leather strap

Buckle stainless steel buckle

Diameter 35 mm.

Caliber 13’’’ (based on Valjoux 23)

Signature dial, case and movement

Notes

Rolex, Ref. 3525
Known to many as the “prisoners watch”, the Ref. 3525 was one of the watches offered during the war to POW’s (“prisoner of war”), often free of charge by Rolex.
Made in 2 distinct series, recognisable from the serial numbers on the case-back, or later between the lugs, this example made after the war is part of the first series. While the majority of the dials are either white or salmon in colour, black dials are the rarest and most collectible. Over the years the dial has aged giving it a warm black and gold colouring that will please collectors.