Rolex Chronograph 3525

ROLEX. A FINE, RARE AND EARLY 18K GOLD CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH

ROLEX. A FINE, RARE AND EARLY 18K GOLD CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER, ANTIMAGNETIC, REF. 3525, CASE NO. 147’845, CIRCA 1940 Movement: cal. 13''' 23 VZ, manual, 17 jewels, signed Dial: signed Case: screw back, 35 mm. diam., signed With: 18K gold Rolex buckle. , On lots marked with an + in the catalogue, VAT will be charged at 7.7% on both the premium as well as the hammer price.This endangered species strap is shown for display purposes only and is not for sale. The watch will be supplied with a calf leather strap. This early example of a ref. 3525 chronograph is preserved in very good overall condition. The original dial impresses with a charismatic, uniform champagne patina, the case has retained full proportions and crisp serial and referenced numbers to the outside of the case back. The inside features the early signature “Oyster Watch Co.” and the details of the English patents. Reference 3525 Reference 3525, one of the manufacturer’s first “Oyster” chronograph wristwatches, was produced between 1939 and 1945 in a variety of metals. It is affectionately nick-named “monoblocco” by Italian collectors, referring to the fact that except for the case back the entire case consists of one block including bezel and lugs. Different versions in regard to case material and dial layout including a very similar example to the present one are illustrated in: 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, John Goldberger, pp. 96-107, other examples also in: I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 162-192.