102nd Auction
2020/6/29
Lot 282
Rolex, Swiss, "Oyster Perpetual Eaton 1/4 Century Club", Movement No. 31173, Case No. 1384146, Ref. 1003, Cal. 1570, 34 mm, circa 1966
An extremely rare vintage automatic wristwatch with centre seconds - special edition made for Eaton Ltd. of Canada
Case: 14k gold, screw back ref. 1005, dedication engraving: "Presented to Edith Craig to mark a quarter century of continious service with the T. Eaton Co. Ltd., 12411, 1946 - 1971", screwed "Twinlock" winding crown, rare riveted 14k gold "Oyster" bracelet with 7/5 bracelet elements, endlinks stamped 57, clasp dated 2/70, bracelet length 150 mm, total length 185 mm. Dial: silvered, applied letters as hour indicators "1/4 Century Club".
"Eaton 1/4 Century Club"
These watches were given to employees of the T. Eaton Co. Ltd. (a prestigious Canadian department store) in recognition of 25 years of continuous service. Their rarity and collectability derives from the fact that almost uniquely among Rolex timepieces, the watches display no external "Rolex" branding.
The T. Eaton Co. Ltd. had its origin in a small department store Timothy Eaton (1834-1907) opened in Toronto in 1869. The business boomed and in the following years many more stores were opened all over Canada. Most families across the country had an Eaton’s catalogue in the house. By that time the T. Eaton Co. Ltd. was one of the largest retailers in Canada. A changing economic and retail environment in the late 20th century, along with mismanagement, culminated in the chain's bankruptcy in 1999.
An extremely rare vintage automatic wristwatch with centre seconds - special edition made for Eaton Ltd. of Canada
Case: 14k gold, screw back ref. 1005, dedication engraving: "Presented to Edith Craig to mark a quarter century of continious service with the T. Eaton Co. Ltd., 12411, 1946 - 1971", screwed "Twinlock" winding crown, rare riveted 14k gold "Oyster" bracelet with 7/5 bracelet elements, endlinks stamped 57, clasp dated 2/70, bracelet length 150 mm, total length 185 mm. Dial: silvered, applied letters as hour indicators "1/4 Century Club".
"Eaton 1/4 Century Club"
These watches were given to employees of the T. Eaton Co. Ltd. (a prestigious Canadian department store) in recognition of 25 years of continuous service. Their rarity and collectability derives from the fact that almost uniquely among Rolex timepieces, the watches display no external "Rolex" branding.
The T. Eaton Co. Ltd. had its origin in a small department store Timothy Eaton (1834-1907) opened in Toronto in 1869. The business boomed and in the following years many more stores were opened all over Canada. Most families across the country had an Eaton’s catalogue in the house. By that time the T. Eaton Co. Ltd. was one of the largest retailers in Canada. A changing economic and retail environment in the late 20th century, along with mismanagement, culminated in the chain's bankruptcy in 1999.
Sold
estimated
3.800—5.000 €
Price realized
6.900 €