Live Auction 1348Important Pocket Watches and Wristwatches
Rolex. A fine, rare and large 18K pink gold self-winding triple calendar wristwatch with phases of the moon, two-tone silvered dial and certificate
Lot 63

Rolex. A fine, rare and large 18K pink gold self-winding triple calendar wristwatch with phases of the moon, two-tone silvered dial and certificate

SIGNED ROLEX, PERPETUAL, OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETER, REF. 8171, MOVEMENT NOS. G 4810 AND 20619, CASE NOS. 073 AND 791079, MANUFACTURED IN 1951

Closed12 November 2007

Price Realised

CHF 265,000

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Rolex. A fine, rare and large 18K pink gold self-winding triple calendar wristwatch with phases of the moon, two-tone silvered dial and certificate
Signed Rolex, Perpetual, Officially Certified Chronometer, ref. 8171, movement nos. G 4810 and 20619, case nos. 073 and 791079, manufactured in 1951
Cal. A.296 10 1/2''' nickel-finished lever movement, 18 jewels, the two-tone silvered matte dial with applied pink gold baton numerals, outer date ring with central date hand, two windows for day and month, subsidiary dial indicating phases of the moon combined with constant seconds, the large circular case with calendar correctors in the band, downturned lugs, snap on back, contemporary gilt Rolex buckle, case, dial and movement signed
37 mm. diam.

Specialist note

Accompanied by Rolex period blank Guarantee.

Rolex has produced only two different models of moonphase wristwatches, references 8171 and 6062. Both models are automatic, however reference 8171 has a snap on back, while reference 6062 (see lot 189 in this auction), the Oyster version, is fitted with a water-resistant-type screw back.

Reference 8171 was made in a small series between 1949 and 1952, mostly in yellow gold. Examples in pink gold or in stainless steel (see lot 59 in this sale) are very rare.

The present watch furthermore stands out by its excellent overall condition and the attractive two-tone silvered dial. The case is incredibly crisp and still retains the finely engraved case number and Rolex crown to the case back. The fascinating dial is rich in colour and does not show any cosmetic enhancements but only the best possible ageing. Without exaggeration, this watch must be considered the best preserved pink gold reference 8171 seen in decades.