Hong Kong, May 29, 2022
LOT 351
HKD 24,900 - 41,500
EUR 3,000 - 5,000 / CHF 3,200 - 5,300 / USD 3,200 - 5,300TO BE SOLD WITHOUT RESERVE
Sold: HKD 30,000
18K yellow gold, manual-winding, round-shaped, small lady’s wristwatch, with fluted case-band, snap-on case-back.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-01 |
Good HANDS Original |
Brand Rolex, Geneva
Model “Precision” “Chameleon”
Reference 8788
Year circa 1955-1960
Movement No. unnumbered
Case No. unnumbered (by Manufacture Favre & Perret, La Chaux-de-Fonds)
Material 18K yellow gold
Bracelet 18K yellow gold bracelet à mailles milanaises (mesh links)
Diameter 15.8 mm. (approx.)
Caliber 6’’’
Weight 44.6 gr. (approx.; with the gold bracelet)
Signature dial, case and movement
Accessories five leather Rolex straps (pink No. 345; green No. 432; yellow-brown No. 489; white No. 572; chocolate-brown No. 771), two Rolex gilded brass buckles and four additional velvet straps (black; turquoise; green; yellow)
Notes
This unusual lady’s wristwatch was launched by Rolex in the early 1950’s and remained in production until the 70’s. The model allows the user to change the leather strap almost instantly from one colour to another.
At the time, Rolex promoted the model in America as:
“… the only watch in the world with a WARDROBE. You dress for luncheon … your Chamaleon dresses to match. You change for dinner … so does your Chameleon. Because Chameleon has interchangeable straps. (You can have as many as twenty-eight different colors and materials!) But, quick change artist though it is, this distinctive 18Kt. gold Rolex never varies in accuracy. At the finest Jewelers only.”
The Rolex “Chameleon” was offered in a wide variety of models and was very popular at the time. It is found with round, square or navette-shaped cases, some set with brilliant-cut diamonds.
In many ways the Apple Watch which has a similar feature is reminiscent of this mid-century modern masterpiece.