$3M Vintage Rolex?

[exador]

Rolex ref. 4113 (one of only nine known to the market) at Phillips’ upcoming Geneva Watch Auction.

https://www.phillips.com/detail/role...x&searchPage=1

[Rebel]

Wow.

[Amazing]

I think I'm right in remembering John Goldberger on talking watches opening the caseback on his example with a cheese knife.

[Amazing]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgSYZIUrRkw

Here's the link. Definitely worth a watch if you haven't seen it before.

[exador]

HQ Milton would describe that dial as “Vellum Parchment”. The less charitable amongst us might term it “Water Damaged”

[77T]

I think the YouTube with Goldberger says it all when one is asked why it is particularly valuable. “Because it’s Rolex” and there are only 9 of the original 12 known to exist.

It would be amazing if all the parts of the Valjoux movement are original. And the dial does say something about the watch having been exposed to high humidity air, or moisture. Yet the hands appear to be too clean if they too were exposed to the same environment - I’d guess they were replaced sometime along its life.

The split seconds feature disappeared from Rolex’s chronograph models after this one, right? Same for the 3 pusher function?

It will likely exceed the estimate by the auction house - interesting to watch this one go to gavel.


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[037]

Originally Posted by 77T

Yet the hands appear to be too clean if they too were exposed to the same environment - I’d guess they were replaced sometime along its life.

Are you sure about that? Here's a closeup:

[77T]

Thanks for that closeup. On the iPhone a dot or two was apparent. So I’d modify my viewpoint.

I have experience with 50y.o. untouched examples that could be cleaned up. This one is nearly 80 years old. I’d say those hands may have been cleaned or replaced in the past. Only basing that on the condition of the dial.

The RG numerals on the dial may have also been touched up way back, too.

It is a splendid watch and I’d guess over $3millCHF at hammer (with premium).


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[037]

Hard to say. I personally don't believe the hands have been entirely replaced but wouldn't doubt the hands and dial markers have been cleaned at some point. But, I don't have a reference of an original for comparison.

Is the dial rose gold underneath the paint? It looks like the markers are either brazed onto the dial (before painting) or cut away from the dial face (again, before painting).

[subx]

I get the rarity,
I don't get the ooh and aah about a dial that looks like molded provolone
and don't get me started on the 80% faded inner track :(