Rolex

* cal. 1040 automatic movement, 26 jewels * silvered dial, dead beat center seconds hand * screw-down crown, screw back * case, dial and movement signed

The movement is running, however it may require service soon. It retains its original dead-beat seconds function and has not been replaced to a sweep seconds movement. It is numbered 823297. The dial shows spotting throughout, possibly from exposure to moisture. The case shows scratches to the case back. The numbers between the lugs appear to read 6556 and 138839, however it has been partially scratched off through the middle. Please note that the watch is not accompanied by a bracelet.
"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 launched this model, Ref. 6556, in the early 1950s. It features dead-beat center seconds, one of the most unusual complications that Rolex produced. The seconds hand on a standard lever escapement will sweep around the dial, whereas the hand on a dead-beat escapement will stop slightly at each second and then jump to the next, similar to the manner in which the seconds hand on a detent chronometer would function.

As Dowling and Hess write, '... in the 1950s this was the answer to the question no-one asked.' (The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches, pp. 191-192) The model was taken out of production within a few years after it launched, as the market never understood the technical curiosity or need for such a complication.

Over the years as these models have been serviced, many of them have been converted to have standard sweep seconds, making examples like the present more original, unusual and collectible.

For more information on this model, see Dowling, J. & Hess, J., The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches, 2nd edition, pp. 191-192.