Rolex. A Rare Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with Black Dial
Description :
Rolex. A Rare Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch with Black Dial.Signed Rolex Oyster, Chronograph, Anti-Magnetic, Ref. 3525, Case No. 185'970, Circa 1942.Cal. 23 mechanical movement, 17 jewels, black dial, luminous Arabic numerals, luminous hands, outer fifths and Arabic five minute divisions, outer telemeter and tachymeter scales, two engine-turned subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30 minutes registers, circular water-resistant-type case, screw back, screw down crown, two round chronograph buttons in the band, stainless steel Rolex buckle, case, dial and movement signed.34 mm diam..View Lot Notes >.Lot Notes.The present watch is an attractive example of the celebrated reference 3525 chronograph. It is from the early series of this reference with the engraved reference and serial numbers on the outside of the case back whereas the latest examples have engravings between the lugs..Known among Italian collectors as barilotto or keg due to its shape, it is equally referred to as monoblocco as its case has been forged in one piece. Adorned with an attractive black dial, the present watch delights by its nicely defined outlines and well-preserved back with sharp milling and crisp case number..Production of reference 3525 was launched in 1939. The model was made in stainless steel, yellow and pink gold as well as combined steel and gold (be it yellow or pink). Some examples of this reference were supplied by Rolex to British Officers who were prisoners of war, or POWs, in German war camps during the Second World War, a fact that makes this reference infamous..Different versions in regard to case material and dial layout are illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 96-107, and in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 162-192.
