ROLEX | 'OVETTONE' OYSTER PERPETUAL, REF 5028STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET AND UNUSUAL COMBINATION OF SWEEP CENTRE AND SUBSIDIARY SECONDSCIRCA 1946

Dial: silvered Calibre: cal. 10 1/2 automatic, 18 jewels Movement number: 80'664 Case: stainless steel, screw-down back Case number: 493'109 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Dimensions: 36 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 170 mm (max. 220 mm) Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: none

MVT: is running at the time of cataloguing. CASE: in very good condition still with sharp lugs. The case has possibly seen a light polish but it still retains visible brushed-metal finishing and the numbers are easy to read as well. Inside case back stamped 5028. DIAL: with signs of ageing and fine spotting visible. The lume dots are no longer present and it is possible that the dial has been very slightly cleaned some point. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

The present lot is an extremely attractive example of a vintage Rolex. Thanks to a diameter of 36 mm it is very much wearable today as it was in the mid-40s. Back then, it was uncommon for watches to have a case measuring 36mm. What enhances the rarity of the present watch even more is the unusual combination of sweep centre and subsidiary seconds. While the reference 5028 was normally produced with centre seconds, its sister reference 5026 had subsidiary seconds. To find a watch with both together is very seldom and gives it an interesting twist. What is rarer still, is the reverse of the case and reference numbers.  The reference number can be found at 6 o'clock and the serial number at 12 o'clock.  A very similar watch, no. 493'076 was sold at public auction in 2006.

Its nickname 'Ovettone' is Italian, meaning 'Big Egg', and refers to the bubble-shaped case. Due to the rotor being screwed onto the movement, more space was needed and the case back formed to accommodate that. 

Offered with a Rolex rivet bracelet this stylish model will please as a wearable everyday vintage timepiece that has been retained in lovely original condition.