Rolex Precision 8171

'PADELLONE' REF 8171A FINE STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC TRIPLE CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES CIRCA 1952

Rolex 'PADELLONE' REF 8171A FINE STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC TRIPLE CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES CIRCA 1952 , Dial: silvered Caliber: 10.5'" automatic movement, 18 jewels Movement number: 67157Case: stainless steel, snap on case back Case number: 820706Dimensions: 38 mm diameterSigned: case, dial and movementROLEX | 'PADELLONE' REF 8171A FINE STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC TRIPLE CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES CIRCA 1952, Estimate 100,000 - 200,000 USD , Sold , Rolex 'PADELLONE' REF 8171A FINE STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC TRIPLE CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES CIRCA 1952 , Dial: silvered Caliber: 10.5'" automatic movement, 18 jewels Movement number: 67157Case: stainless steel, snap on case back Case number: 820706Dimensions: 38 mm diameterSigned: case, dial and movement, The present example of the reference 8171 retains an honest, unpolished crisp case, with hard edges and thick lugs. The case back retains the original deep engravings of the Rolex coronet logo and the serial number at the bottom. The dial remains unrestored, with well defined apertures and an even ivory color overall. The seconds track, signature, and outer track and numerals all remain extremely fine and well defined, and the entire dial has survived with minimal blemishes. The present lot is an exciting opportunity for a very particular collector who values condition and rarity above all.Often referred to as the "Padellone" (the Italian word for frying pan), the reference 8171 is one of the most coveted vintage Rolex watches on the market. At 38 mm, its dial was substantially larger than other models at the time. Rolex created a name for itself by creating excellent sports watches. As such, triple calendars with moon phases have rarely made an appearance in the firm's history. In fact, Rolex made only two watches with moon phases: the Reference 8171 with the snap-on case back, and the Reference 6062, an Oyster model with a screw-down case back. The firm produced the 8171 for only three years, during 1949-1952.