Rolex Chronograph 3525

Ref. 3525A rare, attractive and very well preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with multi-scale dial

Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1945 Reference No: 3525 Case No: 386'401 Model Name: "Barilotto" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Pin buckle Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signedBrought to the world in 1939, the ref. 3525 was Rolex’s very first chronograph wristwatch to be housed in an Oyster case defined by water resistant screw down case back as well as screw down winding crown. The ref. 3525 was offered in yellow gold, pink gold and stainless steel, such as the present execution. Analysis of publicly known pieces shows that - with the exception of a few outliers - most of the production for the reference is grouped in three "batches", with respectively serial numbers around 40'xxx-50'xxx for the first batch, then in the mid 100'000 for the second, and in the mid-300'000 the last. The overall condition of this specimen is stunning. The case preserves intact its highly complex mono bloc-design. Most notably, the two steps to the bezel - the second one extremely minute and sensitive to polishing - are exceptionally well defined and with strong edges. The dial itself appears devoid of restorations or interventions, and has aged gracefully with a subtle ivory patina. Intriguingly, the dial of the model features a straight signature, instead of the arched one. A similar situation is known with the Libby Holman/Harvey Poe reference 3525 - case no. 386’526, sold by Phillips in 2019 - and in that instance the certainty of a sale date from 1951 allowed scholars to deduce the originality of the timepiece. It is commonly accepted scholarship that after WWII, the last generation of Barilottos had engraved numbers between the lugs and a "straight signature" on the dial.