Rolex Ref. 4537
Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1946 Reference No: 4537 Case No: 470'704 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 23, 13''', 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex buckle Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckled signed Catalogue Essay Launched in 1946, reference 4537 was manufactured for a very short time only, and is one of the rarest Oyster chronograph watches produced by Rolex. The model was the very first Rolex chronograph watch to feature three subsidiary dials in a tonneau-shaped Oyster case, which would later set the design codes for the Cosmograph Daytona. Its design was a clear departure from its predecessor, reference 4048, which displayed a rounder "Calatrava-style" case. The present watch impresses with its spectacular dial, most notably featuring a pulsations scale. The beautiful sky blue graphics contrast nicely against the silver tones. Dials during this period usually displayed a combination of tachometer and telemeter scales. To find an example fitted with a "pulsations dial" is very rare indeed. The dial is furthermore preserved in extremely well and near-pristine condition, which is particularly fascinating, considering the watch is over 70 years of age. The luminous on the hands display a light yellow tone, giving the watch a "vintage" appearance so beloved by collectors and scholars. Brushed golden numerals provide another element of contrast, illustrating Rolex's creativity and prowess in design. Equally impressive is the case, having retained its brushed finishes and sharp edges. Even the Rolex Oyster crown remains original, a detail sure to delight the "purist" scholar. Most interestingly, the movement is stamped "Fab Suisse" in addition to the "Swiss Made" designation, which scholars identify as a importation mark for export. This seemingly minor detail is quite important, since the graphics on the dial (ie Chronographe and Antimagnetique) are French, thus further providing another sign of legitimacy. Reference 4537 was cased in yellow gold, pink gold and stainless steel. Research suggests that Rolex produced no more than 100 watches of this reference, in both stainless steel and various gold colors. To find one in such condition is nothing short of extraordinary. Read More
Rolex Ref. 4537
Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1946 Reference No: 4537 Case No: 470'704 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 23, 13''', 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex buckle Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckled signed Catalogue Essay Launched in 1946, reference 4537 was manufactured for a very short time only, and is one of the rarest Oyster chronograph watches produced by Rolex. The model was the very first Rolex chronograph watch to feature three subsidiary dials in a tonneau-shaped Oyster case, which would later set the design codes for the Cosmograph Daytona. Its design was a clear departure from its predecessor, reference 4048, which displayed a rounder "Calatrava-style" case. The present watch impresses with its spectacular dial, most notably featuring a pulsations scale. The beautiful sky blue graphics contrast nicely against the silver tones. Dials during this period usually displayed a combination of tachometer and telemeter scales. To find an example fitted with a "pulsations dial" is very rare indeed. The dial is furthermore preserved in extremely well and near-pristine condition, which is particularly fascinating, considering the watch is over 70 years of age. The luminous on the hands display a light yellow tone, giving the watch a "vintage" appearance so beloved by collectors and scholars. Brushed golden numerals provide another element of contrast, illustrating Rolex's creativity and prowess in design. Equally impressive is the case, having retained its brushed finishes and sharp edges. Even the Rolex Oyster crown remains original, a detail sure to delight the "purist" scholar. Most interestingly, the movement is stamped "Fab Suisse" in addition to the "Swiss Made" designation, which scholars identify as a importation mark for export. This seemingly minor detail is quite important, since the graphics on the dial (ie Chronographe and Antimagnetique) are French, thus further providing another sign of legitimacy. Reference 4537 was cased in yellow gold, pink gold and stainless steel. Research suggests that Rolex produced no more than 100 watches of this reference, in both stainless steel and various gold colors. To find one in such condition is nothing short of extraordinary. Read More
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
