Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Nov 08, 2014

LOT 966

ROLEX REF. 3525 BLACK DIAL 18K YELLOW GOLD Rolex, " Oyster, Chronographe, Antimagnetique", case No. 380240, Ref. 3525. Made circa 1938. Very fine and rare, antimagnetic, water-resistant, 18k yellow gold wristwatch, round button chronograph, register, tachometer and telemeter.

CHF 50,000 - 70,000

HKD 435,000 - 610,000 / USD 52,000 - 73,000

Sold: CHF 195,750

Two-body, polished and brushed, inverted bezel, concave lugs, screwed-down case back and crown. Black with arabic indexes, outer minute/seconds track, subsidiary seconds and 30-minute register dials, outermost tachometer and telemeter scale. Yellow gold baton hands. 13''', rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self compensating Breguet balance-spring, index regulator.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched

Movement: 2-8*

Very good

Slightly scratched

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 2

Very good

Notes

Dial, case and movement signed. DIAM. 35 mm. THICKNESS 13 mm. Purchased new in Switzerland by the father of the consignor, this example is without a doubt the nicest example of a reference 3525 to appear at auction in the last 10 years. Produced towards the end of the production around 1944, its overall state of preservation can only be described as outstanding. The serial numbers between the lugs (as opposed to on the caseback in earlier examples) are deep and mint and can be seen distinctly even without a loupe and it has still conserved its original oyster patent crown. The lugs are sharp, crisp and thick and according to the owner the watch was only serviced once in 1982, further confirmed by the only service mark inside the caseback. The case shows virtually no signs of polish with and has developed a beautiful patina from being left untouched in the safe for over 30 years. Its overall beauty is further enhanced by a mint black dial in french free from any scratches or discoloration and in the rarer non-luminous dial configuration with only arabic numerals completing this collectors dream watch. Property of the original Swiss family