The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO | Page 268

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219 . Rolex

An extremely fine , rare and large stainless steel triple calendar wristwatch with moon phases

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Estimate HKD 1,000,000-2,000,000 USD 125,000-250,000

Literature For another example of a stainless steel reference 8171 , please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches , page 77 .

Rolex has only ever produced two watches that feature a triple calendar complication . While reference 6062 has the Oyster screw down case back , 8171 is fitted with a snap on case back . Produced between 1949 and 1952 , reference 8171 was usually cased in yellow gold and pink gold , hardly ever in steel .

This large stainless steel ‘ Padellone ’ example is fitted with yellow gold numeral markers and ‘ Precision ’ on the subsidiary seconds dial . The watch has been cherished over the years and worn on occasions , however , the case with only the lightest of polish as the Rolex Coronet and case numbers are still clearly visible on the case back with the naked eye .

What is also intriguing about the present watch , is the four digit stamped underneath the case number , which reads 3821 . We have been unable to determined what these four digits refer to , but it is the only steel version we can find with these four additional digits . The case is incredibly crisp and very sharp to touch . The angled date and day apertures demonstrate this dial is original , along with the sharp track where the moon phase aperture meets the rim of the subsidiary dial . The outer date ring , too , is correct and the printing is the same as one would expect on an original example . The dial has aged to a warm white color , giving the watch a very charismatic look that vintage Rolex collectors love . It is rare to find such a charismatic example .