Important Watches: Part I

Important Watches: Part I

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 36. 'Monoblocco', Ref. 3525, Stainless steel and pink gold chronograph wristwatch Circa 1939 | 勞力士 | 3525型號「Monoblocco」精鋼及粉紅金計時鍊帶腕錶,約1939年製.

Rolex

'Monoblocco', Ref. 3525, Stainless steel and pink gold chronograph wristwatch Circa 1939 | 勞力士 | 3525型號「Monoblocco」精鋼及粉紅金計時鍊帶腕錶,約1939年製

Auction Closed

November 10, 02:59 PM GMT

Estimate

40,000 - 80,000 CHF

Lot Details

Description

Rolex


'Monoblocco', Ref. 3525

Stainless steel and pink gold chronograph wristwatch

Circa 1939


Dial: pink

Calibre: cal. 13''' manual winding, 17 jewels

Case: stainless steel and 18k pink gold, screw-down back

Case number: 47'808

Closure: expandable stainless steel and pink gold bracelet and folding clasp

Dimensions: 35 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 160 mm (max. 185 mm)

Signed: case, dial and movement

Box: no

Papers: no

Accessories: none

Please note that the bracelet is associated.
Rolex launched the reference 3525 in 1939 coinciding with the outbreak of the Second World War and production ceased shortly after the end of the war. Available in pink gold, yellow gold, two-tone or stainless steel, it marked a milestone for Rolex as it was the first chronograph fitted in a waterproof Oyster case. The 3525 can be divided in two main series, with the first one (1939-1942) having the reference and case number engraved on the outside case back, and the second one (1942-1946) having the reference number on the inside case back and the case number engraved between the lugs. The present lot has both numbers on the outside case back and therefore belongs to the first series. Referred to as 'Monoblocco' by collectors, the upper case including bezel and lugs is made from one piece only.

The 3525 gained even more popularity as it was one of the models that Rolex sent to British military men held in German imprisonment camps during the war. In this bold scheme, Rolex offered their watches instantly and would accept payment whenever possible later on. Some British officers ordering Rolex watches this way later became known for taking part in a mass escape from the German prison camp Stalag Luft III in 1944. This event served as inspiration for the 1963 film 'The Great Escape', starring Steve McQueen.

Combining stainless steel and pink gold, the present example is considered the rarest variant of the reference and arguably, with the pink dial also one of the most attractive ones.