Geneva, May 11, 2024

LOT 95

ROLEX, SWITZERLAND, REF. 4467, DATEJUST "SOUSCRIPTION", 18K YELLOW GOLD

CHF 10,000 - 20,000

HKD 87,000 - 174,000 / USD 11,100 - 22,200 / EUR 10,200 - 20,400

Sold: CHF 20,000

An extremely fine, rare, historically important, first series, 18k yellow gold, self winding wristwatch with date


Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-8

Good

Slightly scratched

Movement: 3 *
Dial: 3-6-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Brand Rolex, switzerland

Model Datejust "souscription"

Reference 4467

Year circa 1945

Case No. 46

Bracelet leather with an 18k yellow gold Rolex buckle

Diameter 36

Caliber 10 1/2, A295, 18 jewels

Signature dial, case and movement

Accessories fitted box

Notes

The reference 4467 is known as the first "Datejust" ever made (despite not being signed on the dial, this would be corrected by the firm starting from reference 6105). Featuring a chronometer movement, the first automatic wristwatch with a date and a waterproof case, the first ever 100 examples produced (such as this example) were available only by responding to an advertisement in the newspaper "La Suisse" at a cost of CHF 975. The owners could order either their coat of arms (such as this example and similar to the watch owned by Winston Churchill) or their initials and were all numbered from 1 to 100 between the lugs (No. 046). This is only the fourth known "souscription" example ever to appear on the market and has retained its original dial, crown, bezel making this 46th Datejust ever made a significant watch for any collector.

Provenance

Property of an Italian family