Watch of the Month #8....Did someone say Padellone?

[bobridley]

This month, we’re presenting some 8171 models we’ve had opportunity to care for.

Rolex has only ever produced two vintage references with a moon-phase display, the 6062 (Oyster case with screw back, water resistant), and 8171 (snap on back, non-water resistant), both manufactured in the late 40’s – early 50’s. Due to the limited number manufactured, the “Moon Phase” watches have become highly desirable by collectors.

Relative to the size of most watch’s in the market place this 38 m/m (~1.5”) was colossal, earning the nickname “Padellone”... Italian for “big frying pan”.
The Rolex 8171 came in steel, yellow gold, & rose gold featuring a Triple Calendar, w/Moonphase Indicator, & Hidden Pushers.

First is the Yellow 18 KT Gold w/yellow Dauphin styled hands & Baton styled markers.


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Pictured is the Case Back for the above Y18KT.



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The Dial exhibits a blue Chapter Ring indicating dates of the month.

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Secondly, we have the two tone model: Steel case and dial w/yellow hands, yellow triangular markers & square pyramid markers at the three quarter hours.


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Lastly, the steel model: Steel case and dial w/white Leaf styled hands, white triangular markers & square pyramid markers at the three quarter hours.


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The cases were designed with hidden pushers for a sleek, dress look unlike the protruding chronograph pushers we’re accustomed to seeing.



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Each calendar function can be manually set by pressing the selected pusher.


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Day, Month, & Moon Phase Indicators.


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Movement Spacer w/Tension Springs


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An “untouched Case”

Of the few rare pieces seen today many have been polished to such an extent that hallmarks are hard to read or missing.
This model was recorded as having been serviced three times however, the case was never refinished.

~Extremely rare~


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The Rolex caliber referred to as A.295 CPL w/o the Auto-Wind


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The Rolex caliber referred to as A.295 CPL w/Auto Wind


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Bob

[Stargazer735]

Incredible! Never knew these existed.

Moonphase is, hands down, my favorite complication. What a great read! Thank you for the post!

Would love to own one. Curious as to what they go for?

Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

[bobridley]

Originally Posted by Stargazer735

Incredible! Never knew these existed.

Moonphase is, hands down, my favorite complication. What a great read! Thank you for the post!

Would love to own one. Curious as to what they go for?

Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

A steel Rolex Moonphase 8171 sold for $1.14 million at Christie's in New York
2013.
Link provided.

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/au...sties-new-york

[Blakerhodes]

Fantastic piece and excellent work Bob and Phillip.

[sensui]

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[Dries]

Thanks for sharing!

[datejust24]

Super cool thank you very much for sharing such a beautiful and super rare reference

[rootbeer7]

These WOM pieces are brilliant. Thank you so much. The 8171 is just beautiful. This is a grail for me.

[MonBK]

Thanks for sharing.

[DarknerImperator]

Wow!!
Thanks for sharing!

[Tom1675]

Amazing! thanks very much for sharing!

[lenccc]

Hello folks,
This is my first time commenting on the forum. I am the proud owner of the yellow gold ref. 8171 referenced in Bob's photo's. I want to thank all of the folks in this forum for helping me find Bob Ridley to service this magnificent watch. My Dad worked at a small watch shop in the 1960's and 1970's and came upon this watch then owned by one of the longtime customers of the shop. I remember Dad negotiating with the owner for years until they finally came to terms and Dad purchased the watch!!!! Dad died almost 30 years ago and the watch remained locked away as life's more pressing issues (wife, home, kids, etc..) were taken care of. My wife & I are now in our 50's and decided that it was time to invest in this treasure so that it can one day be passed on to our children & grandchildren.
The decision to invest was the easy part. Next we had to find a reputable craftsman who we could trust to perform the work. I actually went to the New York Rolex Service Center and to my disbelief, they would not touch the watch...Next I started to do on-line research and learned a tremendous amount about this watch. I came upon The Rolex Forum a few years ago and was very impressed by the knowledge of the folks posting on it and started to read about the most trusted craftsmen for repair & restoration of vintage timepieces. Bob Ridley's name was always in the mix and after much indecision, decided to take a chance and reach out to him.
Although I do not yet have the watch back yet, I need to tell you that I could not be more pleased with the service I have received from Bob Ridley. From our very first e-mails and phone conversation, I knew what a gentleman I would be dealing with and his credentials are very impressive (I recently learned what it takes to become a CW21 certified watchmaker and could not believe it) . Bob has communicated through every step of this process with e-mails, pictures and even phone calls.. It is really unbelievable in this day and age. I could not be more pleased and look forward to working with Bob for many years to come.
I will have my watch back from Bob next month and will post pictures for all of you. Again thank you for sharing your experiences and the reference for Bob Ridley.

My Best

LENCCC

[Glyph]

Thank you for posting your story lenccc.
It's very good to here from the owner of such a rare and beautiful Watch and to hear your story of the Padelleone. It's also very good to hear that Bob is not only technically skilled and gifted but that he is also blessed with the skills of listening and caring for the needs of the person who owns the Watch.
I've had at least 5 watches serviced by Phillip and Bob and I can't imagine sending my watches to anyone else.

[fmc000]

Cool story. Congrats LENCCC.

[roh123]

Serious piece!

[jmiicustomz]

Thanks for the share! Some great info there.

To know the future is to be trapped by it

[lenccc]

As promised, just received this back from Bob Ridley today, could not be more pleased with the workmanship & service. Thanks Again to All.

[ADB85]

I don't often venture in to the vintage section of the forum but this was a great thread and an incredible looking watch!

[KarlFr]

Amazing watch!

[DLRIDES]

Thanks for posting, beautiful timepieces !