Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1947 Reference No: 4062 inside caseback further stamped 012 Case No: 597'010 Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 23, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K pink gold Rolex rice grain bracelet max length 215 mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Rolex deployant clasp stamped 3.51 Dimensions: 36 mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by the original Rolex box and a letter from the manufacture that attests the watch reference, material and year of production
Catalogue Essay
The Rolex chronograph reference 4062 was produced from 1942 until approximately 1963. The model was cased in a variety of metals, ranging from yellow gold, pink gold, stainless steel, to stainless steel and gold combinations. The reference features a ribbed band as well as elongated tear drop lugs, giving the watch a very distinctive appearance that made the reference famous amongst collectors. Square pushers further complement the thin and elegant case. Along with the snap on caseback, the square pushers were soon to be replaced in order to increase the waterproofness of the watches.
In overall excellent condition, the present watch still retains its extremely delicate and thin crown as well as the case number engraved on the caseback. The dial features the desirable multi scale and the designation “Antimagnetique” on the lower part of the dial. This distinctive combination is further complemented by a Rolex rice-grain bracelet made by Gay Frères giving the timepiece a timeless elegance. The present lot stands out from Rolex’s traditional production and will speak to the collector looking for a vintage “dress” chronograph of tasteful restraint and refinement.
Founded 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.
Ref. 4062 inside caseback further stamped 012 A rare and extremely attractive pink gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, box and a letter from the manufacture
1947 36 mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed