Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1945 Reference No: 4062L Case No: 66'891 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 23, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap Clasp/Buckle: 18K gold Rolex pin buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Catalogue Essay
The present wristwatch can be considered somewhat of a “perfect storm” to the collector of early Rolex chronograph pieces as it reunites in one watch rarity, breathtaking condition, and a double signed dial.
Reference 4062 was in production from the early 1940s to about 1963, and it is known for its ribbed band. Some examples even feature ribbed lug sides. However, this specimen is a representative of the sub-reference 4062L, where "L" stands for “Lisse” (French for “smooth”) indicating the absence of ribbing; band and lugs are instead decorated with a satin finish. It would appear, judging by known 4062 examples, that the "L" version is the one which least commonly appears on the market.
Furthermore the piece is offered in spectacular condition of both case and especially dial. The case number and “modèle deposé” inscription stamped to the outside of the caseback are remarkably crisp, and the case overall preserves its original proportions. The dial survived its nearly 80 years of life in astounding condition and it is virtually unchanged by time, with all scales crisp and without losses.
Finally, the icing on the cake is given by the Beyer Zurich signature, one of the most famous watch retailers in Switzerland. A rarity in itself, the fact that it is found in combination with the scarce “L” variation of the model means this piece can truly be considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
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. 4062L A very fine, extremely rare and well-preserved yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with multi-scale champagne dial and flat band, retailed by Beyer
Circa 1945 36mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed