Rolex. A fine and very rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black lacquer dial and bracelet

Preserved in good and original overall condition, the present watch is fitted with an attractive black lacquer dial. This combination is probably the most sought-after version that a connoisseur could hope for. Reference 2811 was produced in gold and in stainless steel. The first generation, such as the present watch, features olive-shaped chronograph buttons, the second generation rectangular ones.
Reference 2811 is an exceedingly rare model from pre-war Rolex production. Since the beginning of this century only one other representative of the reference has been sold by Christies in May 2013 for 50'000 CHF. The present example is fitted with a stainless steel Gay Frères bracelet. Arguably the most prominent Genevois bracelet maker of the past century, creations by Gay Frères can be found on the most important and distinguished timepieces of the 1900s. Such bracelets are as rare as they are exquisitely crafted, and are considered collectibles in their own right.

Similar examples of reference 2811 are described and illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex- La Legenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 94, 96 & 98.