Rolex

• cal. A295 CPL, automatic jeweled movement • black dial, applied dagger indexes, twin apertures for day and month, gilt date hand and outer chapter ring for date, subsidiary dial for seconds with fan-form aperture for moon phases • stainless steel case, calendar correctors to band, snap-on case back • case, dial, and movement signed

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 lot features a previously unknown gilt and black dial, with moon phases in gilt, combined with a very well preserved stainless steel case. Very few examples are known to feature black dials, and the present lot most certainly has a factory original black and gilt dial, which most likely was refurbished by Rolex more than 40 years ago, based on the patina and wear overall. In close examination, the dial retains even bevels at the apertures and crisp gilt printing and tracks. The case back, with slight pitting, still retains the original serial number and coronet, although faded.

The Rolex reference 8171 is a must for any Rolex collector, and the present lot, with gilt black dial, excellent case, and preserved case back engravings meets all the requirements for the Rolex connoisseur.

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