ROLEX | REF 4500 'MONOBLOCCO'A STAINLESS STEEL AND YELLOW GOLD CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH TACHOMETER AND TELEMETER SCALES AND REGISTERS CIRCA 1948

Dial: silveredCaliber: cal. 23 manual winding movement, 17 jewelsCase: stainless steel and yellow gold, solid screw down case backCase number: 616270Size: diameter 36 mmSigned: case, dial and movement

CASE Case in overall good condition with wear to the edges from age and use. The bezel with small nicks and scratches overall, notably on the 3 o’clock. DIAL Dial in fair original condition, light scratches overall. MOVEMENT Chronograph does not reset and the start/stop works sporadically. The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"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 Rolex Ref. 4500 is one of the very few Oyster chronograph models to feature only two subsidiary dials, for constant seconds, and 30-minute register. As a result, the dial is rendered more symmetrical, and along with its round pushers and screw down case back, bears similarities to Patek Philippe's celebrated Reference 1463.  Reference 4500 was launched in the 1940s and was available in yellow gold, pink gold, stainless steel and in stainless steel and gold.

Various models of reference 4500 are described and  illustrated  in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 206 - 221.