Lot 128

Rolex

Prince Railway Chronometer

An extremely rare, very fine and elegant vintage Art Deco wristwatch with elaborate original leather/metal box

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The condition of this Rolex Prince is indeed outstanding, the "Extra Prima" movement is very clean, all case edges are still razor sharp. The quality of the immaculate dial, however, exceeds all expectations, all scales and lettering are enamelled in high relief. The charisma of this watch is unique, a trove for every collector of early Rolex watches.

The rectangular Rolex Prince is today considered one of the most attractive Art Deco wristwatches of all time. It was produced in various variants, such as the Classic, the Brancard or the Railway, like the model offered here. The "Railway Prince" came onto the market in the 1930s and was inspired by the look of locomotives. The present watch is an example of reference 1768 in stainless steel. The two-tone silvered dial with the two quadrants for hours and seconds and the blue steel hands is absolutely charming. Inside is the calibre 7 1/2"', a special movement that allowed for a longer duration, which is why most Rolex Prince watches, were classified as chronometers, as is the present one.