Rolex 9248

An extremely refined, attractive and superbely preserved, Prince Imperial, pocket watch in white gold, with irregular hexagonal case and silvered dial.

Rolex, universally celebrated for its wristwatches, also produced a number of refined pocket watches and shaped timepieces throughout the mid-20th century, including the distinguished Imperial collection, notable for its architectural forms and stylistic references to the enduring elegance of the Art Deco tradition. The present Rolex Imperial Ref. 9248, dating to the 1950s, is distinguished by its rare hexagonal “pear-form” case in 18-carat white gold, whose alternating polished and satin finishes emphasize the sculptural geometry of the design. The dial is arranged in a refined two-register configuration known as a “doctor’s dial,” highlighted by an oversized subsidiary seconds counter, a feature historically appreciated for its legibility and professional utility. At its heart beats an Ultra-Prima signed movement, a designation reserved for higher-grade calibres selected for their superior precision and finishing quality. What makes this example particularly compelling is its extraordinary state of preservation. Pocket watches from this period are seldom encountered in such remarkably well-preserved condition, and the present example is further elevated by the survival of its original Rolex tag and Rolex pouch. These accompanying elements, together with the watch’s outstanding state of preservation, significantly enhance both its desirability and its importance from a collector’s standpoint.