159
Rolex
Ref. 3525
Oyster Chronograph “Barilotto”
An extremely rare and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with salmon dial, tachymeter and telemeter scales
- Estimate
- CHF50,000 - 80,000€44,000 - 70,400$51,200 - 81,900
CHF72,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1942
- Reference No
- 3525
- Case No
- 186'008
- Model Name
- Oyster Chronograph “Barilotto”
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 13’’, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 35mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Thanks to its amazingly perfect proportions and balanced dial design, the Rolex reference 3525 is most arguably one of the most elegant chronographs of its time.
Launched in 1939 and produced for less than ten years, the reference 3525 exists in yellow gold, pink gold, stainless steel, or a combination of stainless steel and yellow gold. The reference 3525 was Rolex's very first chronograph wristwatch to be housed in an Oyster case equipped with a water resistant screw down caseback along with screw down crown.
The present model from 1942 is part of the earlier generation with the serial number stamped on the caseback, whereas later models had the serial numbers engraved between the lugs.
The case is in overall very appealing condition with the serial and reference numbers perfectly crisp and legible. Note also the presence of the original 'Brevet' Oyster crown. However, the most enticing element is the striking pink champagne dial which is further enhanced by the blue hands and tachymeter and telemeter scales.
The reference 3525 is not only a beautiful watch but is also a milestone in Rolex’s history, and as such it has its place in the collection of a savvy collector.
Launched in 1939 and produced for less than ten years, the reference 3525 exists in yellow gold, pink gold, stainless steel, or a combination of stainless steel and yellow gold. The reference 3525 was Rolex's very first chronograph wristwatch to be housed in an Oyster case equipped with a water resistant screw down caseback along with screw down crown.
The present model from 1942 is part of the earlier generation with the serial number stamped on the caseback, whereas later models had the serial numbers engraved between the lugs.
The case is in overall very appealing condition with the serial and reference numbers perfectly crisp and legible. Note also the presence of the original 'Brevet' Oyster crown. However, the most enticing element is the striking pink champagne dial which is further enhanced by the blue hands and tachymeter and telemeter scales.
The reference 3525 is not only a beautiful watch but is also a milestone in Rolex’s history, and as such it has its place in the collection of a savvy collector.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
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