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Lot 94
Rolex. A very rare and early stainless steel automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, bracelet and box
Signed Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, Monometer, ref. 6202, case no. 949'401, circa 1953
Closed16 May 2016
Price Realised
CHF 13,750
More Information
Specialist note
With Rolex period presentation box and outer packaging.
In 1953, Rolex registered the unusual name “Monometer”, most likely to emphasize the scientific nature of the watch, designed as a timepiece for professionals and build to highest standards. One could suspect a connection to the firm’s “Manometer Bourdon" device, a pressure gauge for measuring the depth of oceans or lakes. Filed for patent in 1955, this ingenious instrument must have been developed for Auguste and Jacques Piccard's deep sea diving expeditions.
The reference number used for the Monometer (and also for the “Subaqua”, released simultaneously and likewise made in an extremely small series only) was 6202, same as the functionally identical “Turn-o-Graph” launched at the same time.
Regarded as the earliest Submariner even though not carrying the designation yet as Rolex was most likely still experimenting with the appropriate name, the Monometer was made in an exceedingly small series only. The watches are known with two different dial styles, honeycomb or plain black lacquer, such as the present example. It is thought that to date only five specimen of this ultra-rare model have appeared in public, supporting the experimental theory.
The present “Monometer”, still featuring the original bezel, gold “pencil” hour and minute and “lollipop” second hands, the correct crown and a period bracelet dated 2.53, represents the rare opportunity to own an example considered the first ever Submariner reference.
In 1953, Rolex registered the unusual name “Monometer”, most likely to emphasize the scientific nature of the watch, designed as a timepiece for professionals and build to highest standards. One could suspect a connection to the firm’s “Manometer Bourdon" device, a pressure gauge for measuring the depth of oceans or lakes. Filed for patent in 1955, this ingenious instrument must have been developed for Auguste and Jacques Piccard's deep sea diving expeditions.
The reference number used for the Monometer (and also for the “Subaqua”, released simultaneously and likewise made in an extremely small series only) was 6202, same as the functionally identical “Turn-o-Graph” launched at the same time.
Regarded as the earliest Submariner even though not carrying the designation yet as Rolex was most likely still experimenting with the appropriate name, the Monometer was made in an exceedingly small series only. The watches are known with two different dial styles, honeycomb or plain black lacquer, such as the present example. It is thought that to date only five specimen of this ultra-rare model have appeared in public, supporting the experimental theory.
The present “Monometer”, still featuring the original bezel, gold “pencil” hour and minute and “lollipop” second hands, the correct crown and a period bracelet dated 2.53, represents the rare opportunity to own an example considered the first ever Submariner reference.