Lot 42
  • 42

ROLEX | PRINCE BRANCARD, REFERENCE 1490YELLOW GOLD RECTANGULAR WRISTWATCH CIRCA 1933

Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description

  • PRINCE BRANCARD, REFERENCE 1490YELLOW GOLD RECTANGULAR WRISTWATCH CIRCA 1933
Dial: blackCalibre: extra prima manual winding, 17 jewelsCase: 18ct yellow gold Prince, snap-on back Case number: 13'009Closure: black unsigned alligator strap with 18ct yellow gold Rolex pin buckleDimensions: 26mm width x 43mm length Signed: case, dial and movementAccessories: none

Condition

DIAL: with scuffs and signs of age throughout. Subsidiary seconds hand repainted. CASE: with scuffs throughout from age and use. Hallmarked on the inside caseback. Import mark for Glasgow 1933 MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

Catalogue Note

The Rolex Prince, launched around 1928, is synonymous with a period of huge social and economic change. Everything about this watch was new; the layout of this newly patented watch movement allowed Rolex to use a rectangular case design instead of the traditional round case. This type of case allowed for a much larger dial, with an oversized and very legible subsidiary seconds dial. 
Two models were introduced at that time, the more subdued rectangular sided ‘doctor’s watch’, the reference 1343, and the flared sided Brancard, such as this present reference 1490. This particular watch also features an attractive black dial which is perfectly offset by the yellow gold case.

Illustration of similar examples please see "The Best of Time, Rolex Wristwatches", by James M. Dowling and Jeffrey P. Hess, P. 110 - P. 133.