840
Rolex
Ref. 4500
Oyster Chronograph
A very rare and attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with telemeter and tachymeter scales
- Estimate
- HK$310,000 - 560,000€35,700 - 64,500$40,000 - 70,000
HK$475,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1947
- Reference No
- 4500
- Case No
- 533’629
- Model Name
- Oyster Chronograph
- Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 13’'', 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Rolex gold-plated buckle
- Dimensions
- 35 mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Conceived in the mid-1940s, the Rolex Oyster Chronograph ref. 4500 was the great grandfather of the modern Cosmograph Daytona model that we all treasure and admire today. From its debut, this highly attractive and charismatic model stood out from Rolex’s product lineup thanks to its clean design which seamlessly combine debonair flair with sporty chic.
The launch of this reference 4500 chronograph introduced an all new case style with straighter, more pointed lugs that is until today, which can still be found on Rolex’s Oyster models today. The present ref. 4500 in 18K yellow gold is particularly a remarkable execution. The multi-scale dial features an eye-catching blue telemeter within the black tachometer scale found along its outer circumference. The case retains its well-defined lugs and original curves, boldly showcasing its original beauty.
The launch of this reference 4500 chronograph introduced an all new case style with straighter, more pointed lugs that is until today, which can still be found on Rolex’s Oyster models today. The present ref. 4500 in 18K yellow gold is particularly a remarkable execution. The multi-scale dial features an eye-catching blue telemeter within the black tachometer scale found along its outer circumference. The case retains its well-defined lugs and original curves, boldly showcasing its original beauty.
Literature
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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