Rolex

• manual winding nickel lever movement, 17 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance • silvered dial, applied aged gilt Arabic 12 and bullet indexes, three small engine-turned subsidiary dials indicating constant seconds, 12-hour and 30-minute register, outer scales calibrated for 60 units, telemeter and tachometer scales • circular case, two round chronograph pushers to the band, screw-down crown, engraving to the screw-down case back • case, dial and movement signed

The movement is running and chronograph is functioning, however the watch might need service soon. The dial looks nice overall, but it has some light spots and discoloration throughout. Still, there is a nice old look to it and it is very attractive and appropriate for this model. The case shows general wear throuhgout, however it is in overall very nice condition. The lugs are very sharp and in nice condition. The case back is nice. The outside of the back is numbered 206294 and the inside is numbered 4048. The engraving to the outside of the back reads, 'Italy, 1946, P.B.S. S.S. to Coach Isenberg, Basketball'. We have investigated this engraving, but cannot figure out who Coach Isenberg is, however it would seem that he might have been given the watch in 1946 in Italy, possibly when he was stationed there after the War. This, however, is speculation. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please refer to Important Notices for further information.
"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."

The design of Ref. 4048 demonstrates its position at a turning point in the aesthetic of Rolex chronographs. Various examples within the reference bear small subsidiary dials that were favored in earlier chronographs, while others have large subsidiary dials, the look that is seen in chronographs to this day. In the 1940s, some chronographs were still made with square pushers, while others, such as Ref. 4048, utilized the more modern round chronograph pushers. The round buttons would go on to become the signature of water-proof chronographs.

For a similar example, see Patrizzi, O., Rolex: Collecting Modern and Vintage Wristwatches, Vol. II, p. 166. For further examples of Ref. 4048, see the same text, p. 165, as well as Papaleo, P. & Gobbi, P, I Cronografi Rolex: La Leggenda, pp. 200-205.