Exceptional Horological Works of Art

Geneva, Oct 19, 2002

LOT 19

Rolex, Genève, "World Time", No. 3917, case No. 579555, Ref. 4262 (Heures Universelles), made in 1947. Very fine and extremely rare 18K pink gold key-less dress watch.

CHF 25,000 - 30,000

EUR 17,000 - 22,000

Sold: CHF 57,500

C. Three-piece, massive, "variée", polished with matte back. D. Matte silvered with applied gold Roman numerals and indexes, outer Arabic dark and light revolving chapter ring for day and night hours and the world time chapter ring, bearing the name of 31 cities, regions and countries around the world according to the Louis Cottier World Time Patent. Gold hands. M. 36 mm. (16???), rhodium-plated, "fausses côtes" decoration, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance with screws, self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Signed on the dial, case and movement. Diam. 45 mm.

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Image

Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent

Case: 3

Good

Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 3 - 01

Notes

Only twelve Rolex World Time watches were made; six examples in 1943 and six in 1947. For a note on World Time Watches and a biography of Louis Cottier, see page 42.