References 3330 and 3335 are considered amongst the rarest and largest pre-Oyster Rolex chronographs ever produced by the firm. Produced in the early 1940s, they boasted large cases, unique for the majority of watch brands during this time period, with a diameter of 37 mm. The reference 3330 was ahead of its time, as its innovative design is much more typical for today’s market. This antimagnetic chronograph reference has increased in desirability amongst collectors due to its rarity and stunning looks. Recognizable by its over-sized twelve-hour register, a feature that was not available from other distinguished firms, and its well-proportioned case, only a handful of reference 3330s have appeared at auction in the past 15 years, underscoring this model’s utter exclusivity.
The present reference 3330 in pink gold is breathtaking, and is without exaggeration the world’s most beautiful and best preserved example of the reference one could hope to obtain. The brutally powerful case has a superb brushed finish with arresting polished bevels on the lugs and its large flat bezel. The rare, multi-scale salmon-colored dial is flawless, and is graphically complemented by a black tachymeter scale and indexes, and enlivened with a subtle blue telemeter scale. The watch is in absolutely pristine condition, the case maintaining all its original angles and brushed surfaces, the case number and Rolex crown stamped on the case back perfectly crisp, and the arresting dial showing no signs of wear (something quite unheard of for a timepiece of this age with a non-waterproof case) – as if the watch left Rolex’s factory yesterday. Its immaculate state of preservation makes us believe that the present lot has spent most of its life protected from the natural elements, untouched in a safe. The condition, rarity, and sheer beauty of the present watch are sure to impress even the most discerning collectors of the world’s finest watches.