Important Collector's Watches, Pocket...

Geneva, Nov 11, 2007

LOT 252

Steel and Pink Gold 1490 Rolex, "Prince", case No. 17141, Ref. 1490. Made in the 1930s. Very fine and rare, flared, rectangular, curved, stainless steel and 14K pink gold wristwatch with a stainless steel and 14K pink gold Rolex link bracelet with deployant clasp.

CHF 11,000 - 13,000

EUR 6,500 - 8,000 / USD 9,000 - 11,000

Sold: CHF 16,520

C. Two-body, solid, polished, flared sides, stepped bezel, curved lugs, snap-on case back. D. Matte black with outer minute track, luminous Arabic numerals, subsidiary dial for the seconds. Steel luminous baton hands. M. 7 1/2???, rhodium-plated, "Extra Prima", 15 jewels, lateral lever escapement, monometallic balance, adjusted to 6 positions, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, micrometer regulator. Dial, case and movement signed. Dim. 23 x 36 mm. Thickness 8,5 mm. Approx overall length 190 mm. From ?The Collection?

Click to full view
Image

Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good

Case: 3-15

Good

Slightly rusted

Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 3-28-01

Good

Replacements

HANDS Original

Notes

Prince Brancard
The Prince Brancard is undoubtedly the most elegant wristwatch among the Rolex form watches: rectangular, flared and slightly curved to fit the wrist.
The first Prince Brancard models - Ref. 971, 971A, 971 U and 1490 - were produced from 1929 to 1935; the platinum model is undoubtly the most sought-after Prince among collectors. It is interesting to note that the sale price of this watch was 65 £ in 1929.