Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Hong Kong, Apr 25, 2021
LOT 111
ROLEX FOR ASTRUA
Ref. 2508, chronograph, minute counter, silver dial; “Antimagnetic”; 18K yellow gold
Ref. 2508, chronograph, minute counter, silver dial; “Antimagnetic”; 18K yellow gold
HKD 140,000 - 230,750
USD 17,900 - 29,750 / CHF 16,600 - 27,650
Sold: HKD 175,000
18K yellow gold, manual-winding, tonneau-shaped, anti-magnetic, gentleman’s wristwatch, snap-on case-back, round flat bezel, silver colour dial with subsidiary seconds at 9 and two horological complications:
- 1/5 second chronograph (activated by the two rectangular-shaped push-pieces) with tachometric scale graduated for 1 000 metres and telemeter scale graduated for a kilometre
- Half-instantaneous 30-minute counter (subsidiary dial at 3 o’clock)
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 2-8 |
Very good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-6-8-01 |
Good Slightly oxidized Slightly scratched HANDS Original |
Brand Vacheron Constantin, Geneva
Model “Antimagnetic”; made for Astrua, Torino (Italy)
Reference 2508
Year Circa 1938
Movement No. unnumbered
Case No. 49 412 (by Favre & Perret, La Chaux-de-Fonds)
Bracelet black leather strap
Buckle gilded metal buckle
Diameter 35.9 mm. (bezel)
Caliber 14’’’ (based on Valjoux 22 by Reymond Frères, Les Bioux, Vallée de Joux)
Signature dial, case and movement
Notes
Rolex, Ref. 2508 Antimagnetic (or Anti-Magnetique)
The reference 2508 was first produced in the mid 1930’s, in 18K yellow or pink gold and in stainless steel non-waterproof cases, with olive-shaped push-buttons (oval pushers), a 14’’’ movement and a diameter of 38 mm. (37.2 mm. to).
After that, it was made with rectangular push-buttons (square pushers), a 13’’’ movement and a 2 mm. smaller case of 36 mm. (35.2 mm. to).
Early 2508’s had the serial numbers punched on the case-back, whereas the last generation had the 6 digits number finely engraved at the edge of the back.
This is the first Rolex chronograph wristwatch to feature two registers on the dial and two pushers in the case.
The sporty and large case is very masculine, and is considered one of the most attractive case designs by any brand of this era. At the time of production, the relatively large case size was incredibly unusual for the period. This reference is a favourite amongst collectors due to its oversized case, flat bezel, and classic no frills design, that is more in-line with those of two other historical Genevan brands: Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.
Bibliography
The reference 2508 was first produced in the mid 1930’s, in 18K yellow or pink gold and in stainless steel non-waterproof cases, with olive-shaped push-buttons (oval pushers), a 14’’’ movement and a diameter of 38 mm. (37.2 mm. to).
After that, it was made with rectangular push-buttons (square pushers), a 13’’’ movement and a 2 mm. smaller case of 36 mm. (35.2 mm. to).
Early 2508’s had the serial numbers punched on the case-back, whereas the last generation had the 6 digits number finely engraved at the edge of the back.
This is the first Rolex chronograph wristwatch to feature two registers on the dial and two pushers in the case.
The sporty and large case is very masculine, and is considered one of the most attractive case designs by any brand of this era. At the time of production, the relatively large case size was incredibly unusual for the period. This reference is a favourite amongst collectors due to its oversized case, flat bezel, and classic no frills design, that is more in-line with those of two other historical Genevan brands: Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.
Bibliography
- Patrizzi, Osvaldo, Collecting Rolex Wristwatches, Guido Mondani Editore, Genova, 2001, pp. 390, 392-394 and 480.