Rolex Chronograph 2508

Ref. 2508A large, charming and extremely uncommon stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with multi-scale three-tone dial and olive-shape pushers, retailed by Astrua

View our Conditions of Sale .Originally launched in the mid 1930s, reference 2508 most notably sports a large, masculine case with a classic “Calatrava” design. It is amongst the most attractive chronograph models by any brand from this formative era of wristwatch design. The present watch is a remarkable example of the reference not only in virtue of its condition - most notably of the absolutely unrestored dial - but especially due to the presence of Turin retailer Astrua’s signature on the dial. Co-signed dials are as rare as they are collectible, a precious window into the past of the company - as nowadays Rolex does not produce co-signed timepieces anymore. Even without the Astrua signature, however, the dial of this specimen exudes charm, also thanks to its complicated architecture. It features an outer telemeter scale and an inner spiral tachymeter case, large hour markers and an additional scale with Arabic five-minute combined with baton fifth-of-a-second divisions (typical of the time). Furthermore, one can find three different types of finishing on it: the centre and outer track of the dial are silvered brushed, the fifth-of-a-second scale lays on a track with a grené finish, and a thin bronze metallic track separates it from the telemeter scale. Reference 2508 can be categorized into two different generations, the first one boasting a large 37.2mm case fitted with oval pushers – as found on the present example. The second generation was slightly smaller measuring at 35.2mm and was fitted with rectangular pushers. The 2mm difference in diameter may appear small, but the impact on the wrist is impressive. Scholarship tells us that only a very small number of these first generation watches were made. It is amazing to see how a more than 80-year-old chronograph wristwatch can be as timeless and contemporary today as it was when first launched. A sporty yet elegant gentleman’s watch, the design of reference 2508 - especially the first generation - is more modern compared to other earlier Rolex chronograph watches, making it nowadays a favourite of Rolex collectors.