Ref. 8171An extremely rare, highly attractive, and well-preserved triple calendar wristwatch with grené dial featuring luminous hour markers and hands, from family of original owner
Manufacturer: Rolex
Year: Circa 1953
Reference No: 8171
Movement No: 67'319
Case No: 902'508
Model Name: "Padellone"
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Automatic, cal. 10"1/2, 18 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Leather
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 38mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed.
Literature: Another example of a stainless steel reference 8171 is published in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pages 76 & 77.Considered by collectors and scholars as one of the most beautiful watches from the 1950s, the Rolex reference 8171, nicknamed “Padellone” (Italian for large frying pan), impresses with its perfectly balanced proportions, wrist presence and overall good looks.
In the 1950s, Rolex primarily focused on the tool watches that would make it the behemoth it is today. However, it is also during that period that Rolex created what would become two of its most coveted references – references 8171 and 6062 - two full calendar watches with moonphase indication and the only Rolex models ever made featuring day of the week, month, date, and moon phase.
Made for only a very few short years, both models were available in yellow gold, pink gold or stainless steel like the present model.
The present reference 8171 is offered by the grandson of the original owner, Henri Verkade, the co-owner of a lithographic printing firm based in Rotterdam (the Netherlands). The director and co-owner of the lithographic printing firm Maas Ltd in Rotterdam, the original owner loved innovative and outstanding quality products, from a large Ford limousine, to this lovely Rolex timepiece. The current owner believes the watch was bought around 1953 when his grandfather retired. The watch was bequeathed to him in 1965 upon the passing of his grandfather and worn extremely sparingly for the past 55 years.
The present watch boasts a strong and crisp case, clearly displaying the Rolex coronet and case numbers on the case back. Most existing reference 8171s today are either worn or heavily polished, making this example incredibly rare. The exceptionally rare luminous dial is in equally charming and unrestored condition, with sharp and crisp apertures at 12 o’clock.
The present steel reference 8171 is a very attractive example of the iconic 8171 that can certainly be considered a trophy watch worthy of a prominent position within a world-class collection. The director and co-owner of the lithographic printing firm Maas Ltd in Rotterdam, the original owner loved innovative and outstanding quality products, from a large Ford limousine, to this lovely Rolex timepiece.
