Rolex

nickel lever movement, champagne honey-comb dial, applied baton numerals, centre seconds, Oyster case with screw-down crown and case back, gold bezel with black calibrated insert, case, dial and movement signed, with a stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp.

The present watch is an extremely rare variation of the Turn-O-Graph model. Originally launched in 1953, the model was designed as a diver's wristwatch and depth rated to 50 metres (165 feet.) The present example belongs to the so called 'deluxe' version which features a gold bezel and honeycomb dial. It is believed that the 'deluxe' version was made in extremely limited numbers. Furthermore, examples of the 'deluxe' are known with white or black dials which makes the current champagne dial exceptionally unusual. It is interesting to remember that Rolex introduced dress versions of the Explorer model also during the early to mid 1950s  (for examples see lots 101 & 102, Sotheby's London, June 28th, 2001.) It is believed that Rolex introduced the dress Explorer models in order to capitalise on the success of the standard black dial Explorer. It may well be that Rolex were using a similar marketing tactic by introducing the 'deluxe' Turn-O-Graph. However, like the 'dress' Explorers, it seems that they were not popular and quickly became obsolete, hence their current rarity. For further information see Skeet & Urul, Rolex Sports Watches, Schiffer, p.100 and Dowling & Hess, Rolex, The Best of Time, Second Edition, pp.241-253.