The present Rolex reference 3525, known to collectors as the Monoblocco, is one of the most historically significant chronographs produced by the manufacture during the 1940s. Crafted in an uncommon and striking combination of stainless steel and pink gold, the watch embodies the elegant yet utilitarian aesthetic that defined Rolex’s pre-Oyster Professional era.

The Monoblocco designation refers to the patented single-piece case construction, an early water-resistant architecture in which the mid-case and bezel are formed from a single block of metal. This design not only provided improved durability and moisture protection but also granted the reference 3525 its uniquely rounded and harmonious silhouette.

The present example is further distinguished by its beautiful pink dial, a rare and highly attractive configuration that enhances the warm tones of the pink-gold bezel and pushers. The tachometer and telemeter scales, meticulously printed around the periphery, evoke the technical chronograph tradition of the interwar and wartime decades, while the two subsidiary registers offer a balanced and classical layout. The blue hands, adding a subtle yet vivid contrast, complete the composition with a touch of refined elegance. This juxtaposition of color, functionality and stylistic restraint places the watch among the most captivating chronographs of the era.

Powered by a manual-winding calibre 13’’’ with 17 jewels, the watch reflects Rolex’s mid-century pursuit of precision and mechanical reliability. The movement, housed in case number 150768, is celebrated for its robustness and for its role in shaping the early lineage of Rolex chronograph production. Measuring 35 millimetres in diameter, the case offers proportions that remain remarkably modern, its smooth curves and steel-and-gold contrast lending the watch a presence that is simultaneously subtle and luxurious.

This example is offered with both a leather strap and a rare Gay Frères bracelet in matching stainless steel and pink gold, fitted with a stainless steel deployant clasp. The bracelet, produced by the famed Geneva maker renowned for its craftsmanship and its collaborations with the most prestigious Swiss manufactures, is an important accessory in its own right and significantly enhances the completeness and desirability of the watch.

Signed on the dial, case and movement, the present ref. 3525 represents a rare convergence of historical importance, mechanical integrity and aesthetic harmony. As one of Rolex’s earliest water-resistant chronographs and one of the brand’s most refined two-tone creations, it stands as an exceptional testament to the maison’s design vocabulary during the 1940s. Its uncommon configuration, superb condition and original Gay Frères bracelet elevate it to the highest echelon of collectible vintage Rolex chronographs.