Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Hong Kong, Apr 25, 2021
LOT 54
ROLEX FOR ASTRUA
Ref. 3525, chronograph, minute counter; “Anti magnetic”; stainless steel
Ref. 3525, chronograph, minute counter; “Anti magnetic”; stainless steel
HKD 185,000 - 276,900
USD 23,800 - 35,700 / CHF 22,100 - 33,180
Sold: HKD 300,000
Stainless steel, manual-winding, tonneau-shaped, anti-magnetic, gentleman’s wristwatch, screwed case-back, round inclined bezel, silver colour dial with suspended luminescent Arabic numeral and indexes, subsidiary seconds at 9 and three horological complications:
- 1/5 second chronograph (activated by the two rectangular push-pieces) with tachometric scale graduated for 1 000 metres and telemeter scale graduated for a kilometre
- Half-instantaneous 30-minute counter (subsidiary dial at 3 o’clock)
- 12-hour counter (subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock)
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 3-13 |
Good Slightly damaged |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-6-8-10-01 |
Good Slightly oxidized Slightly scratched Patinated HANDS Original |
Brand Rolex, Geneva
Model “Anti magnetic”; made for Astrua, Torino (Italy)
Reference 3525
Year Circa 1937-1939
Movement No. unnumbered
Case No. 041 232
Bracelet black leather strap
Buckle stainless steel buckle
Diameter 35.3 mm. (bezel)
Caliber 14’’’ (based on Valjoux 22 by Reymond Frères, Les Bioux, Vallée de Joux)
Dimensions 41.5 x 35.3 mm.
Signature dial, case and movement
Notes
Rolex, Ref. 3525
This reference was one of the first “Oyster” chronograph and was available in stainless steel as well as 18K pink and yellow gold.
When this watch first appeared in the early 1940s it cost 350 Swiss francs in stainless steel; in 18K gold it cost 935 Swiss francs.
This particular example is part of the first series of references 3525, made circa 1937-1939 with the serial numbers on the case-back rather than between the lugs.