









198Σ
Rolex
Ref. 3330
A large very rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph with black multi-scale dial
- Estimate
- CHF150,000 - 300,000$150,000 - 300,000€154,000 - 309,000
CHF201,600
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1940
- Reference No
- 3330
- Case No
- 047’520
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. Valjoux 22, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Rolex pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 37mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Reference 3330 is considered by many one of the rarest and largest pre-Oyster Rolex chronographs ever produced by the firm. Made in the early 1940s, the model boasts a large case, 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 recent times, underscoring this model’s utter exclusivity.
The present example elevates the desirability of the model thanks to its black dial, a feature that will appeal both scholarly-inclined collectors - thanks to its rarity - as well as the more aesthetics-devoted ones - thanks to the enormous charm and character the black dial grants to the ensemble.
The present example elevates the desirability of the model thanks to its black dial, a feature that will appeal both scholarly-inclined collectors - thanks to its rarity - as well as the more aesthetics-devoted ones - thanks to the enormous charm and character the black dial grants to the ensemble.
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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