131 Rolex Extremely Fine, Attractive and Striking, Double Swiss “Piccolino”, Antimagnetic Chronograph Wristwatch in Steel, With Tachymeter and Telemeter Scales, Two Tone Sector Dial, Reference 3055
Estimate: €30,000 – 60,000
Sold (Premium)€48,100
Model: Piccolino
Reference: 3055
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1935
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 10″’ ½
Case N°: 034933
Dimensions: 30 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
History of watchmaking is littered with many models that represented real chimeras or true rarities if considered the style and composition of watches of the same period. The reference 3055 produced by Rolex between the 1930s and relaunched in the 1950s is one of these specimens given its totally new design of the case, compared to the previous ones, with a small case of 30 mm featuring a chronograph function. This reference was first produced in the 1930s with olive-shaped push pieces like the present lot, then relaunched in the 1950s (1956–1957) with an updated dial and rectangular push pieces. This watch, called by the Italian collector “Piccolino” was, in period advertising, stated to be the smallest chronograph in the world. It seems to be produced in 20 examples in pink gold and 200 examples in yellow gold. It was available also in stainless steel in a very few examples, at a cost of 1.025 Italian Lire. In 18K yellow or 18K pink gold, it was sold for 2.000 Italian Lire. In the same advertisement, a Rolex 18K gold chronograph pocket watch was priced at 1.920 Italian Lire. The three body case fully in steel of the present lot with its tonneau shape, the snap-on case back, concave fluted lugs and stepped bezel are very well preserved. Most important to underline is the dial, it is one of the rarest configurations, with two-tone silver colour sector dial, subsidiary seconds at 9 and two horological complications: 1/5 second chronograph (activated by the two olive-shaped push pieces) with telemetric scale graduated on the dial for one kilometer, half-instantaneous 30-minute recorder (subsidiary dial at 3 o’clock). Moreover the dial is completed by suspended Arabic black painted numerals, the double “Swiss” signature and by the word “Anti-Magnetic” in the middle. The rarity, condition and special features that equip this lot make this a unique opportunity for collectors of vintage steel chronographs.