Rolex Chronograph 2508

Ref. 2508A rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with black dial, tachymeter and telemeter scales

Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1946 Reference No: 2508 Case No: 512'132 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 22, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex pin buckle Dimensions: 35.2mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Literature: A similar example with white dial is illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, by John Goldberger, pp 64-65. Different versions of reference 2508 are described and illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, p. 80-91.Introduced in the mid-1930s, Rolex’s reference 2508 was their first chronograph wristwatch to feature two registers on the dial and two pushers in the case. The sporty and large case is very masculine, and is considered one of the most attractive case designs by any brand of this era. Collectors divide the model into two generations; the first with a larger 37.2mm diameter case and oval pushers, while the second generation, like the present watch, has a more compact case at 35.2mm and rectangular pushers. It is believed the case diameter was changed to conform to prevailing tastes of the era, when smaller, thinner watches were considered more prestigious. This exemplary model features a rare and stunning black dial featuring lustrous silver print – a highly uncommon dial with few examples appearing at auction. Having aged beautifully, the tachymeter and telemeter scales remain clear and legible. The telemeter scale stands out for legibility by a shiny silver ring that is the same width as the Arabic and baton indexes. The result is a superbly balanced dial design with exceptional readability. The snail-shape tachymeter scale adds further character to the dial. The rarity of the present watch is further enhanced by its superb condition. The case is sharp, with crisp lines, edges and intact finished surfaces as it left the factory seven decades ago. The serial number on the caseback along with the Rolex Crown are crisp and perfectly legible – remarkable considering how lightly engraved they were. The present reference 2508 is a worthy addition to the finest collections of stainless steel watches.