Rolex

• cal. 727 manual winding nickel lever movement, 17 jewels • silvered dial, black engine-turned subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour register, applied faceted steel baton indexes with luminescent accents • steel bezel calibrated to tachometer scale, Oyster case, screw-down crown, pushers and engraved back • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp

The movement is running while cataloguing however it may require a service in the near future to be well preserved. The dial is in good condition with one small minor scuff between 5 an 6 o'clock. The case shows some minor scuffs throughout. overall in good condition. Case back engraved with a roped up cross. Ref n° 6235, serial n° 2849199, inside case back ref 6262 engraved 199. Important notice regarding importation of Rolex watches into the United States: Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the USA because US law restrict the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale.
"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 story of this watch with its 'Mystery Cross' engraving to the case back is a very interesting one.
While working on a documentary in the Amazon rainforest an Italian photographer encountered a group of Guerrilla soldiers near the Venezuela border.

The photographer and his team terrified for their lives tried desperately to explain their presence and convince them they were not there for any military purpose. While this was taking place one of the Guerrillas took an interest in the quartz watch which the cameraman was wearing, but he was unwilling to give it up as it was a gift from his wife. The photographer quickly took out his own watch and offered it to the Guerrilla leader. The leader then presented his watch in exchange and exclaimed 'we are Guerrillos not thieves'.

Once the Guerrillas had departed the photographer realised that he had in his hand a Rolex Daytona.

This interesting Daytona bears the last three digits of the serial number in between the lugs also inside the case back. It is to this day a mystery as to the meaning of the engraved cross surrounded by a rope but it should certainly entice the Rolex aficionados.

Another similar example so called 'Mystery Cross' is illustrated and described in the book for Daytona collectors, 'Ultimate Rolex Daytona' , published in 2010  by Pucci Papaleo Editore in a limited and hand-numbered edition.