Extremely Fine, Attractive and Striking, “Piccolino”, Antimagnetic Chronograph Wristwatch in Pink Gold, With Tachymeter Scale Dial, Reference 3055
Lot Description Model: Piccolino
Reference: 3055
Case Material: Pink Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1951
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 10
Case N°: 789900
Dimensions: 30 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Literature: A similar watch is illustrated in "Time to Race - Edition 1" by John Goldberger and Cesare Maria Mannucci at Page 120-121 and was the personal watch of Enzo Ferrari
The history of watchmaking is adorned with numerous models that stand out as true rarities or chimeras, considering the prevailing styles and compositions of watches during their respective periods. The Rolex reference 3055, produced between the 1930s and reintroduced in the 1950s, is one such specimen, distinguished by its entirely novel case design compared to its predecessors. Despite its petite dimensions of 30 mm, it features a chronograph function, making it a truly unique and innovative timepiece. The reference 3055 was initially crafted in the 1930s with olive-shaped pushers, and later in the 1950s, it experienced a revival with an updated dial and rectangular push pieces, similar to the present lot. This watch, affectionately known as the “Piccolino” by Italian collectors, was touted in period advertising as the smallest chronograph in the world. It was available in stainless steel for 1 025 Italian Lire, while the yellow-gold version had around 200 examples produced. The rarest version is the pink gold, reportedly manufactured in only 20 examples, and sold for 2 000 Italian Lire. The example offered here belongs to the rarest batches, crafted in precious pink gold and remarkably preserved despite its over 70 years of age. The three-body case with its tonneau shape, snap-on case back, concave fluted lugs, and stepped bezel exhibits excellent preservation, with visible serial numbers and hallmark. The silvered dial, adorned with applied baton and dot pink gold numerals, features subsidiary seconds at 9 o’clock and a half-instantaneous 30-minute recorder with a subsidiary dial at 3 o’clock. The rarity, exceptional condition, and distinctive features make this lot a unique and compelling opportunity for collectors of vintage steel chronographs, showcasing the enduring allure of Rolex’s groundbreaking designs.
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