1 / 3
Premium Artcurial
151
-
ROLEX ‘Monoblocco Fantasy Dial’
Ref.
See original version (French)
151
-
ROLEX ‘Monoblocco Fantasy Dial’
Ref.
See original version (French)
Estimate €9,000 - €18,000
Voluntary lot
Description
ROLEX ‘Monoblocco Fantasy Dial’
Ref. 4500
No. 497631
Circa 1959
Steel wrist chronograph
Case: round, smooth pushers, screw-down caseback, signed
Dial: silvered ‘Doctors’ dial’, applied Arabic numerals and ‘ear’ hour markers, 2 sub-dials, railway-track minute track with 1/5-second graduations, pulsometer, signed
Movement: mechanical, Valjoux calibre 23, signed
Bracelet: folded Oyster bracelet
Clasp: stainless steel folding clasp, signed ‘Rolex USA’ and stamped ‘C.I’ and ‘76’
Diameter: 36 mm
A stainless steel manual-winding chronograph wristwatch, Oyster bracelet with Rolex folding clasp stamped ‘Rolex USA’.
Launched in the mid-1940s, the reference 4500 is one of the first water-resistant chronographs produced by Rolex. Nicknamed ‘Monoblocco’ due to its imposing Oyster case with powerful lines and its bezel that appears visually integrated into the case middle, this model is particularly sought after by a new generation of collectors in search of rare, historic and still relatively obscure pieces.
Produced in steel as well as in yellow and rose gold, the reference 4500 is rarely seen on the market.
This reference is documented in the reference work ‘I Cronografi Rolex – La Leggenda’ by Pucci Papaleo Editore, published in 2004 and dedicated to pre-Daytona and Daytona Rolex chronographs.
Launched in the mid-1940s, reference 4500 is among the earliest waterproof chronographs produced by Rolex. Nicknamed “Monoblocco” due to its imposing Oyster case with bold lines and its bezel, which appears visually integrated into the case band, this model has become particularly sought after by a new generation of collectors looking for rare, historically significant and still relatively under-the-radar timepieces.
Produced in stainless steel as well as in yellow and pink gold, reference 4500 is rarely seen on the market.
The model is notably featured in the reference work *I Cronografi Rolex – La Leggenda*, published by Pucci Papaleo Editore in 2004 and dedicated to pre-Daytona and Daytona Rolex chronographs.
CONDITION REPORT:
Movement and chronograph function were operational at the time of writing the catalogue. Dial has been repainted (known examples of reference 4500 are generally fitted with dials featuring tachymetric and telemetric scales). Although it is not strictly impossible that some watches were delivered with a ‘Doctor’s Dial’-style pulsometer scale, there is no reference documentation to confirm this configuration. Three watchmaker’s marks visible on the inside of the case back. Bracelet comprising 10 links. Replacement hands. A few minor scratches and scuffs on the plexiglass. Signs of restoration.
Please note that all watches are sold as is. No guarantee is given as to their working condition. Most watches have been opened to identify the type and quality of the movement, including water-resistant watches. Buyers are advised to consult a watchmaker to check the watch’s water resistance. Any information provided regarding restoration, damage or the condition of the item remains subject to the buyer’s own judgement. The absence of any mention of replacement parts, restoration or damage does not in any way imply that an item is free from any existing defects. All items presented may have undergone previous servicing and may contain non-original parts. The dimensions and weight of the items are given as approximate figures.
CONDITION REPORT:
Movement and chronograph functions were operational at the time of cataloguing. Refinished dial (known examples of reference 4500 are generally fitted with dials featuring tachymeter and telemeter scales). Whilst it cannot be formally ruled out that certain watches may have originally been delivered with a pulsometer scale, or ‘Doctor’s Dial’, no reference literature currently consulted confirms such a configuration. Three watchmaker’s service marks visible inside the caseback. Bracelet comprising 10 links. Replacement hands. Light scratches and scuffs on the acrylic crystal. Signs of restoration.
Please note that all watches are sold “as is”. No warranty is given as to the working condition of any watch. Most watches have been opened to identify the type and quality of the movement, including water-resistant watches. Prospective buyers are advised to consult a qualified watchmaker regarding the water resistance of the watch prior to use. Any statements regarding restoration, damage, or the overall state of preservation reflect our opinion only and remain subject to the purchaser’s own assessment. The absence of any reference to replacement parts, restoration or damage does not imply that an item is free from defects. All items offered for sale may have been previously serviced and may contain non-original components. Dimensions and weights are provided for guidance only and should be considered approximate.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like