Lot
821 Ref. 1541 Prince
rare 9k yellow gold rectangular wristwatch with three-tone silvered dial, rating certificate and fitted presentation box.
OVERALL IMAGE OF THE WATCH WITH ITS ACCESSORIES – ENLARGED SHOT OF THE DIAL EXHIBITING THE COUNTERS AND FULL HANDS SET – VIEW OF THE MOVEMNT THAT POWERS THE WATCH.
勞力士，罕有，9K黃金長方形腕錶，配三色銀錶盤，“Prince”，型號1541，附證書及盒子，約1937年製
80 ROLEX MILESTONES
YEAR REFERENCE CASE MODEL NAME MATERIAL CALIBRE BRACELET/STRAP CLASP/BUCKLE DIMENSIONS SIGNED
Circa 1937 1541 39’626 Prince 9k yellow gold Mechanical, 18 jewels Brown leather strap Gilt buckle 20.5 mm. width Case, dial and movement signed
ESTIMATE HKD 160,000-320,000 • USD 20,000-40,000 ACCESSORIES With Rolex Technical Laboratories Certificate dated 4 March 1938 and original fitted presentation box.
Released to the market in 1928, the Rolex Prince was initially known as the ‘doctor’s’ watch, due to its unbelievable accuracy. Rolex certainly capitalized on this concept, as seen from advertising in the period. Prince watches generally feature two different case styles: the sharp, angled and rectangular model, such as the present watch, is known as the ‘Classic’. The other model, with flared sides and curved edges, is known as the ‘Brancard’. A variety of metals were used to case Princes, ranging from yellow gold, to sterling silver and even platinum. At the time of production, the Prince was truly different from anything else that was offered on the market. Its slim, discreet and elegant appearance represented the ultimate gentleman’s wristwatch. JOHN GOLDBERGER’S OPINION
This watch is, without a doubt, among the best preserved Princes to ever appear on the market. The dial is completely untouched, which is incredibly rare today, as many Prince dials have been ‘retouched’ at some point. It remains free of any obstructing blemishes and the graphics are very sharp and legible. The 9k case, a rarity in its own right, is preserved in crisp condition. The Rolex coronet, case number and reference number is incredibly deep to the case back. The inside case back furthermore features 9 carat ‘Double F’ import hallmarks for Glasgow, and the import letter ‘O’ for 1937. The chronometer movement is a very nice addition, and furthermore confirmed by the Rolex Technical Laboratories Certificate dated 4 March 1938. The watch furthermore retains its original fitted presentation box. These accessories, preserved in remarkably good condition, enable us to admire how a Rolex Prince would have left the factory 80 years ago.