Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1938 Reference No: 2737 Case No: 783 '515 Model Name: "Regulator" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''' lever movement, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Steel buckle by Rolex Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
The present watch is a very rare example of a non-Oyster chronograph wristwatch. It was not until the late 1930s that Rolex introduced its ground-breaking Oyster design to its chronograph models, making the stop-watches resistant to humidity and dust. Prior to this period, their chronographs featured snap back cases and standard crown and push buttons.
In absolute terms, the reference 2737 is one of the rarest chronograph models ever made. Until today, less than a handful have appeared at auction, and possibly less than 12 have been made.
The stylish, crisp stainless steel case has a highly attractive and unusual black gloss regulator-style dial, which has aged to a light chocolate colour. The regulator dial creates a very different balance to the look and feel of this early chronograph. It is furthermore distinguished by its stunning overall condition.
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.