Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1936 Reference No: 2508 Case No: 37’126 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 14’, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Metal pin buckle Dimensions: 37.2mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed.
Catalogue Essay
The Rolex reference 2508 was first launched in the mid 1930s. Sporting a large, masculine case with a classic “Calatrava” design, it is among the most attractive chronograph models by any brand from this formative era of wristwatch design. The model can be categorized into two different generations, the first like the present watch boasts a large 37.2mm case with oval pushers, while the second generation had a slightly smaller diameter measuring 35.2mm and is fitted with rectangular pushers.
The present watch has an ultra-exclusive black multi-scale dial, with only a few examples ever appearing at auction. Scholarship tells us only a small number of these first-generation watches were made, and when paired with a stunning black dial, the rarity is unmatched. It is amazing to see how this vintage chronograph wristwatch can be as timeless and contemporary today as it was when it first launched. Its striking visual impact is achieved thanks to its smooth case lines and highly symmetrical and architectural dial design. The engraving on the caseback, written in Italian, reads: “To my commander, to mark the time of glory and victory,” and is dated “1936-1938.”
The watch is well-preserved in all original condition, retaining its crisply engraved coronet and serial number on the caseback.
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.