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Lot 350
Rolex. A fine, rare and large stainless steel automatic triple calendar wristwatch with moon phases with box
SIGNED ROLEX, PERPETUAL, PRECISION, REF. 8171, MOVEMENT 67'129, CASE NO. 686'453, CIRCA 1950
Closed11 November 2013
Price Realised
CHF 233,000
More Information
Specialist note
With Rolex fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
The present calendar watch is very attractive example of reference 8171 manufactured in stainless steel, beautifully preserved and with attractive dial. The case proportions are beautifully preserved and the finish is remarkable. The dial captures the eye of the collector with its grainé finish surrounded by the clear blue date and the moon phase display that is a rare feature for Rolex watches (in fact, exclusively reserved for references 8171 and 6062). Although unusual for the brand, the calendar functions were successfully added to this reference. The dial is well-balanced and the moon phase indication confers the watch a timeless design.
Reference 8171
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, 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 are very rare.
A similar example of reference 8171 is described and illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 76-78.
The present calendar watch is very attractive example of reference 8171 manufactured in stainless steel, beautifully preserved and with attractive dial. The case proportions are beautifully preserved and the finish is remarkable. The dial captures the eye of the collector with its grainé finish surrounded by the clear blue date and the moon phase display that is a rare feature for Rolex watches (in fact, exclusively reserved for references 8171 and 6062). Although unusual for the brand, the calendar functions were successfully added to this reference. The dial is well-balanced and the moon phase indication confers the watch a timeless design.
Reference 8171
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, 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 are very rare.
A similar example of reference 8171 is described and illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 76-78.