116 Rolex Very Well Preserved and Historically Important, Barilotto, Oyster Antimagnetic Chronograph Wristwatch, in Yellow Gold and Steel, Black Dial, With Additional Grain de Riz Bracelet, Reference 3525
Estimate: €60,000 – 120,000
Model: Barilotto
Reference: 3525
Case Material: Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1943
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 13''' 23 VZ
Case N°: 262195
Dimensions: 35 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Enriched by a Correct Period Grain de Riz Amazing Gold and Steel Bracelet
Introduced to the market in 1939, reference 3525 was made for the duration of the Second World War with production ending in 1945. Available in pink gold, yellow gold, stainless steel or steel and gold it was an important landmark model for Rolex, the reference being the very first chronograph wristwatch to be fitted with a water-resistant “Oyster” case with screw down the crown. This Rolex’s reference is extremely famous among watch lovers due to the atypical constitution of its case, composed of a single solid piece of metal which has also earned it the nickname “monoblock”. Excellent small chronographs, given the diameter of only 35 mm, are usually equipped with Valjoux movement. Further distinction is its designation of “POW” or prisoner of war watch since it was the model supplied directly by Rolex to capture Western Allied airmen incarcerated in German camps, including Stalag Luft III made famous by the movie “Great Escape”. The watch here offered is the rarest variant of this very important model, made with the combination of stainless steel and yellow gold. The Oyster case has retained excellent proportions, the numbers are very crisp and clearly readable, the original Oyster Patent crown is still present. Moreover it appears to be also one of the most appealing given its extremely rare black dial, rendering it a superbly elegant appearance. Presented with an equally rare steel and gold “Grain de Riz” bracelet, this ref. 3525 chronograph offers collectors truly a rare opportunity to acquire an equally rare vintage Rolex, undoubtedly a great addition to any watch collection.