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Lot 65
Rolex. A very fine and extremely rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch
SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER, CHRONOGRAPHE, ANTIMAGNETIQUE, REF. 4048, CASE NO. 206'386, CIRCA 1942
Closed13 May 2013
Price Realised
CHF 177,750
More Information
Specialist note
This "Barilotto" is certainly an exclusive and attractive example of the celebrated reference 4048 chronograph. The highly charismatic and beautifully aged black dial has not undergone any cosmetic enhancement and has naturally turned into a warm brownish colour. The case shows few signs of wear and its proportions remain crisp, most evident to the beholders eye are the sharp edges of the lugs.
Reference 4048 is doubtlessly amongst the rarest gems in the Rolex Oyster chronograph family. Made during a very short period only, it was the first "Oyster" chronograph by Rolex with three subsidiary dials but still featuring the more round "Calatrava-style" case of its predecessors but now fitted with a screw back.
It is understood that reference 4048 was exclusively cased in stainless steel. Research indicates that less than 100 examples of this attractive landmark model have been produced.
The present reference 4048 is illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, by John Goldberger, p. 84.
Reference 4048 is doubtlessly amongst the rarest gems in the Rolex Oyster chronograph family. Made during a very short period only, it was the first "Oyster" chronograph by Rolex with three subsidiary dials but still featuring the more round "Calatrava-style" case of its predecessors but now fitted with a screw back.
It is understood that reference 4048 was exclusively cased in stainless steel. Research indicates that less than 100 examples of this attractive landmark model have been produced.
The present reference 4048 is illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, by John Goldberger, p. 84.