Rolex Reference 2508 | A stainless steel antimagnetic chronograph wristwatch, Retailed by Bucherer's, Circa 1935 | 勞力士 | 型號2508 | 精鋼防磁計時腕錶，由 Bucherer's 發行，約1935年製
Rolex
Reference 2508
A stainless steel antimagnetic chronograph wristwatch, Retailed by Bucherer's, Circa 1935
勞力士
型號2508
精鋼防磁計時腕錶，由 Bucherer's 發行，約1935年製
Dial: black
Calibre: cal. 14 mechanical, 17 jewels
Case: stainless steel, snap on back
Case number: 034'654
Closure: black unsigned leather strap and stainless steel buckle
Size: 38 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement, dial further stamped by retailer
Accessories: noneRolex Rolex Reference 2508 | A stainless steel antimagnetic chronograph wristwatch, Retailed by Bucherer's, Circa 1935 | 勞力士 | 型號2508 | 精鋼防磁計時腕錶，由 Bucherer's 發行，約1935年製
Reference 2508 | A stainless steel antimagnetic chronograph wristwatch, Retailed by Bucherer's, Circa 1935 | 勞力士 | 型號2508 | 精鋼防磁計時腕錶，由 Bucherer's 發行，約1935年製
Estimate:
1,000,000 - 2,000,000 HKD Rolex
Reference 2508
A stainless steel antimagnetic chronograph wristwatch, Retailed by Bucherer's, Circa 1935
勞力士
型號2508
精鋼防磁計時腕錶，由 Bucherer's 發行，約1935年製
Dial: black
Calibre: cal. 14 mechanical, 17 jewels
Case: stainless steel, snap on back
Case number: 034'654
Closure: black unsigned leather strap and stainless steel buckle
Size: 38 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement, dial further stamped by retailer
Accessories: none Condition report
The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The chronograph is working properly. The plexi glass with minor signs of surface wear, hardly visible with the naked eyes. The dial is in original condition with extremely minor signs of wear. The hands with minor oxidation due to aging. The case is very crisp with minor surface wear and pinhead dings at places, the top right lugs with a tiny chip. Overall the watch is in very good condition considering its age.
Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.
Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping. " Launched in the mid 1930s, the Rolex reference 2508 was the brand's first chronograph to feature two pushers on the case, an innovative feature that started a legacy for chronograph watches to come. Collectors have identified two generations of this reference, the first series which has a larger, approximately 37.2 mm case with oval pushers; and the second series with a more petite, 35.2 mm case with rectangular pushers.
From the index setting, different scales, dial variation and case materials, the reference 2508 comes in a variety of flavorful configuration, which makes it a very popular reference among collectors. Cased in stainless steel, the present watch can be distinguished to be of the first series for its oval shaped pushers, and an early example as well, the distinctive feature being the case number engraved on the case back. Looking at the dial on the other hand, it would be presented in black against contrasting baton indexes, tachymeter and telemeter scales, perpetuating a phenomenal vintage atmosphere.
Black dials are extremely rare for the reference 2508, and to find one retailed by Bucherer is truly an extraordinary feat - noticeable under the Rolex text would be the Bucherer logo. The collaboration of the two brands can be traced all the way back to 1924, when Ernst Bucherer secured an agreement with Hans Wilsdorf, making his Lucerne based family business an official retailer of Rolex. Combining the reliable and accurate watches of Rolex, along with the exceptional marketing and promotion of Bucherer, both companies strived to present the world with the most exquisite timepieces. Today, Bucherer remains one of the most important retailers for Rolex in Europe.
The present lot is arguably one of the most important reference 2508s to be offered to the market. Not only is it fitted with the very rare black dial, it is also an early example and further signed by Bucherer. Outstandingly remarkable, the present watch marks an important piece of history between the innovative watchmaking brand and the prestigious retailer, making it extremely collectible and an opportunity not to be passed up.
