ROLEX

• nickel lever movement, patented Rolex super-balance • aged two-tone silvered dial, applied baton indexes, dauphine hands, outer chapter ring for date with corresponding hand, aperture for day and month, subsidiary seconds dial combined with fan-form aperture for moon-phases • 18k gold circular case, sloped bezel, downturned lugs, snap back • case, dial and movement signed

The movement is running, however it should be cleaned and serviced soon. The movement is numbered G4642 and 10528. The dial has aged throughout and is now spotted and with areas of discoloration. It looks very rich and nice, considering all of this. There is a scratch from below the calendar window that goes through the word 'Certified'. The case shows signs of light wear and light polish, however it is in nice condition. The Rolex coronet and serial numbers are very clear and the number reads 682118. The crown has been replaced and is not original to the watch. It is not dust-proof and should be changed for a more appropriate one. The inside of the case back is further numbered 134.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Rolex produced two watches with moon-phases: the present model, Ref. 8171, with a snap back case, and Ref. 6062, an Oyster model with a screw back.

The present model is particularly rare for its unusual dial layout. While other models within this reference typically are printed with 'Precision' or 'Officially Certified Chronometer' on the subsidiary dial at 6 o'clock, the present example has no type on the subsidiary dial. Instead, the 'Officially Certified Chronometer' notation is located below the day and month apertures. 

It is made further desireable by the crispness of the Rolex coronet and numbers stamped on the outside of the caseback, which are frequently rubbed from wear.

For a similar example, see Dowling, J. & Hess, J., The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches, p. 209.