Rolex Reference 2508 | A stainless steel antimagnetic chronograph wristwatch, Circa 1946 | 勞力士 | "型號2508 | 精鋼防磁計時腕錶，約1946年製"
Rolex
Reference 2508
A stainless steel antimagnetic chronograph wristwatch, Circa 1946
勞力士
型號2508
精鋼防磁計時腕錶，約1946年製
Dial: silvered
Calibre: cal. Valjoux 22 mechanical, 17 jewels
Case: stainless steel, snap on case back
Case number: 512'200
Closure: brown unsigned alligator strap and stainless steel buckle
Size: 35 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Accessories: none
Founded in 1905, in London, by Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis, Rolex then was not known for its immensely popular tool watches that we enjoy wearing today. The Submariner collection was not even founded until half a century later, followed by other collections such as the GMT-Master, Daytona and Day-Date. What sparked the legendary status of Rolex in the field of sport watches was the vintage reference 2508 founded in the 1930s and is seen as one of the finest chronographs ever made.
As Rolex’s first chronograph wristwatch to feature two subsidiary registers on the dial accompanied with two pushers on the case for start, stop and reset purposes, the reference 2508 is seen sporting a much larger case than other watches at the time. Today, watch aficionados have identified the reference 2508 housed in two types of cases, an early oversized case of 37.2 mm with olive-shaped pushers and a later 35.2 mm case with rectangular pushers that are both very popular and infrequent to appear in the secondary market. Available in various types of dial materials and configurations as shown in forthcoming examples, the reference 2508 represents the pinnacle of Rolex chronographs in terms of rarity, quality, and sheer beauty.Rolex Rolex Reference 2508 | A stainless steel antimagnetic chronograph wristwatch, Circa 1946 | 勞力士 | "型號2508 | 精鋼防磁計時腕錶，約1946年製"
Reference 2508 | A stainless steel antimagnetic chronograph wristwatch, Circa 1946 | 勞力士 | "型號2508 | 精鋼防磁計時腕錶，約1946年製"
Estimate:
100,000 - 200,000 HKD Rolex
Reference 2508
A stainless steel antimagnetic chronograph wristwatch, Circa 1946
勞力士
型號2508
精鋼防磁計時腕錶，約1946年製
Dial: silvered
Calibre: cal. Valjoux 22 mechanical, 17 jewels
Case: stainless steel, snap on case back
Case number: 512'200
Closure: brown unsigned alligator strap and stainless steel buckle
Size: 35 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Accessories: none
Founded in 1905, in London, by Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis, Rolex then was not known for its immensely popular tool watches that we enjoy wearing today. The Submariner collection was not even founded until half a century later, followed by other collections such as the GMT-Master, Daytona and Day-Date. What sparked the legendary status of Rolex in the field of sport watches was the vintage reference 2508 founded in the 1930s and is seen as one of the finest chronographs ever made.
As Rolex’s first chronograph wristwatch to feature two subsidiary registers on the dial accompanied with two pushers on the case for start, stop and reset purposes, the reference 2508 is seen sporting a much larger case than other watches at the time. Today, watch aficionados have identified the reference 2508 housed in two types of cases, an early oversized case of 37.2 mm with olive-shaped pushers and a later 35.2 mm case with rectangular pushers that are both very popular and infrequent to appear in the secondary market. Available in various types of dial materials and configurations as shown in forthcoming examples, the reference 2508 represents the pinnacle of Rolex chronographs in terms of rarity, quality, and sheer beauty. Condition report
The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing but a servicing is recommended. The chronograph function is working properly. The dial has been preserved in very charismatic and original condition. There is some oxidation and tarnished throughout. The seconds hand is oxidised throughout. Overall the dial exhibits well preserved scales and printing. The bezel still retains full proportions and is nice and fat. The case with only light polishing. The top pusher is now quite discoloured and there are area of pitting mainly to the band on both sides. The case back is incredibly crisp with very easy to read case and reference number. Overall preserved in very original and pleasant condition.
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. " Before Rolex was Rolex, prior to its focus on creating the best tool watch and delivering the many incredible expedition stories that we have heard of today, Rolex was a brand known for many incredible references, especially their watches of chronograph design.
Sporting an oversized case larger than watches during its time, the reference 2508 made in the 1930s was seen housed in two different bodies. A large case of 37.2 mm with an oval pusher and a smaller case of 35.2 mm with rectangular pushers. The present watch featuring an anti-magnetic and chronograph movement is delivered with a beautifully aged silvered dial complimented by the red tachymeter scale representing the mileage. Provided with many desirable traits which vintage collectors adore today, this watch is a worthy addition to the finest collections of stainless steel watches.
