Only Online Auction
Geneva, Jan 03, 2022
LOT 328
Rolex
Ref. 8788, lady’s wristwatch, varicoloured leather bracelets; “Precision”, “Chameleon”; 18K yellow gold
CHF 800 - 1,600
EUR 800 - 1,550 / USD 900 - 1,750 / HKD 6,800 - 13,500
Sold: CHF 1,125
18K yellow gold, manual-winding, round-shaped, small lady’s wristwatch, with fluted case-band, snap-on case-back, so-called “Chameleon”.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: A |
Good |
Case: 3-8 |
Good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-01 |
Good HANDS Original |
Brand Rolex, Geneva
Model “Precision”; so-called “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 black leather Rolex strap
Buckle gilded brass Rolex buckle
Diameter 15.8 mm.
Caliber 6’’’, lever escapement
Dimensions Length 200 mm. (approx.)
Signature dial, case and movement
Accessories original fitted box, two leather Rolex straps in fair condition (brown unnumbered; brown velvet No. 47) with two gilded brass Rolex buckles
Notes
Rolex “Chameleon”
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.
CONDITIONS AND INFORMATION FOR BUYERS
The purchase price payable by a buyer will be the sum of the final bid price plus the buyer’s premium, together with any applicable sales or compensating use tax. In addition to the hammer price, the buyer’s premium is payable as follows: 25% of the hammer price on each lot.Important notice – Special conditions Please look carefully at all the photos as they are an integral part of the description. Any defect not mentioned in the descriptions but visible on the photos will be considered as described and cannot lead to any claim. The dimensions are given as an indication and may slightly differ from the measures mentioned by the manufacturers especially for contemporary watches. The photos are not retouched. Colors may differ from reality. For timepieces, we guarantee neither the functioning nor the precision of the movement, nor the water-resistance of the case. In addition, please note that movements, parts of mechanisms or cases may be incomplete. The lots are sold “as is”, described to the best of our knowledge and cannot be returned. Once the online bid is placed by the bidder, it cannot be cancelled.