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Lot 26
Rolex. A Very Rare Stainless Steel Automatic Triple Calendar Wristwatch with Moon Phases
Signed Rolex, Perpetual, Officially Certified Chronometer, Ref. 8171, Case No. 820'744, Circa 1952
Closed7 December 2017
Price Realised
USD 175,000
More Information
Specialist note
Reference 8171 was made in a very small series between 1949 and 1952, mostly in yellow gold, with the exception of the far more uncommon pink gold and stainless steel examples.
Rolex has produced only two different models of wristwatches with complete calendar and moon phase, references 8171 and 6062. Both models are automatic, however reference 8171 has a snap-on case back, while reference 6062 is fitted with a water-resistant-type screw-down case back and thus carries the designation “Oyster” on the dial. Reference 8171 is 38mm in diameter, which was remarkably large for the era, whereas reference 6062 is 36mm in diameter. The reference 8171 was affectionately nicknamed the “Padellone” or “large frying pan” due to its unconventional size for the time.
This represents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a vintage watch which dates to the final year of production for this model. With a striking presence, it is clear just how well-preserved this watch is. The dial has aged to an attractive cream color which becomes slightly darker towards the edges. Most notably, the case is in excellent condition with full and well-proportioned lugs and still retaining the case number to the case back with the Rolex coronet.
Rolex has produced only two different models of wristwatches with complete calendar and moon phase, references 8171 and 6062. Both models are automatic, however reference 8171 has a snap-on case back, while reference 6062 is fitted with a water-resistant-type screw-down case back and thus carries the designation “Oyster” on the dial. Reference 8171 is 38mm in diameter, which was remarkably large for the era, whereas reference 6062 is 36mm in diameter. The reference 8171 was affectionately nicknamed the “Padellone” or “large frying pan” due to its unconventional size for the time.
This represents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a vintage watch which dates to the final year of production for this model. With a striking presence, it is clear just how well-preserved this watch is. The dial has aged to an attractive cream color which becomes slightly darker towards the edges. Most notably, the case is in excellent condition with full and well-proportioned lugs and still retaining the case number to the case back with the Rolex coronet.