Reference:1343 - Revision history

Klaudiusz: Deep audit: ground Prince 1343 launch dispute, remove price clutter, add gallery

2026-09-29T02:07:21Z

Deep audit: ground Prince 1343 launch dispute, remove price clutter, add gallery

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:07, 29 September 2026
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	{{#seo:		{{#seo:
	\|title=Rolex Prince 1343; Classic Rectangular, 1928–1935 \| Rolexopedia		\|title=Rolex Prince 1343; Classic Rectangular, 1928–1935 \| Rolexopedia
	\|description=The 1343 is ~~the Rolex Prince Classic;~~ the unflared rectangular ~~case that anchors every other~~ Prince ~~article. Launched 1928–1929 alongside~~ the ~~971 Brancard, produced~~ through c.1935 ~~across~~ silver, ~~9ct/14K/18K~~ gold, stainless steel, and ~~the 1343B Tiger Stripe~~ two-colour ~~variant~~.		\|description=The 1343 is the unflared rectangular Prince Classic, documented from the late 1920s through about 1935 in silver, gold, stainless steel, and two-colour cases.
	\|keywords=Rolex, 1343, Prince, Classic, Aegler, specifications, reference guide		\|keywords=Rolex, 1343, Prince, Classic, Aegler, specifications, reference guide
	\|image=Ref 1343 hero.webp		\|image=Ref 1343 hero.webp
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	== Where it sits in the line ==		== Where it sits in the line ==

	Rolex enters the rectangular Prince market in the late 1920s with two distinct case architectures. The Brancard, French for ''stretcher'', named for its flared, waisted profile; runs as 971 from 1928–29 onward, with the larger 1490 picking up the line into the 1930s and 1940s. The Classic runs in parallel as 1343, with the 1862 succeeding it later in the Classic lineage. Friedberg's ''Rolex's Charming Prince'' essay (TimeZone, 23 January 2001) sets out the English-language taxonomy used here, and the ~~case~~-~~flare distinction (waisted~~ versus parallel-sided~~) is~~ the ~~visual rule Friedberg uses to anchor every other~~ Prince case.		Rolex enters the rectangular Prince market in the late 1920s with two distinct case architectures. The Brancard, French for ''stretcher'', named for its flared, waisted profile; runs as 971 from 1928–29 onward, with the larger 1490 picking up the line into the 1930s and 1940s. The Classic runs in parallel as 1343, with the 1862 succeeding it later in the Classic lineage. Friedberg's ''Rolex's Charming Prince'' essay (TimeZone, 23 January 2001) sets out the English-language taxonomy used here, and Friedberg uses the waisted-versus-parallel-sided distinction to separate the early Prince case families.

	The 1343 uses the smaller, parallel-sided Classic case and the same Aegler shaped-movement family found across the early Prince line. Production overlaps with the 971 Brancard (both running 1928–29 through the early 1930s), and pre-dates the longer-faced 1490 Brancard, the stepped Railway 1527 (1935), and the centre-seconds Aerodynamic 3361 (1939 Zurich exhibition). The 1862 Classic and the 3937 late Brancard close the family.		The 1343 uses the smaller, parallel-sided Classic case and the same Aegler shaped-movement family found across the early Prince line. Production overlaps with the 971 Brancard (both running 1928–29 through the early 1930s), and pre-dates the longer-faced 1490 Brancard, the stepped Railway 1527 (1935), and the centre-seconds Aerodynamic 3361 (1939 Zurich exhibition). The 1862 Classic and the 3937 late Brancard close the family.
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	The end-year reading is firmer. The Bonhams catalogue text places production through 1935. The Bucherer-signed 14K white gold 1343A at Gardiner Houlgate (lot 45, 23 May 2018) is dated c.1935 and is the latest 1343 surfaced in the auction record. No 1343 dated post-1938 has surfaced at major auction. The 1490 Brancard runs significantly later, into the early 1940s, but the 1343 Classic appears to wind down at roughly the same time the 1862 Classic is taking over.		The end-year reading is firmer. The Bonhams catalogue text places production through 1935. The Bucherer-signed 14K white gold 1343A at Gardiner Houlgate (lot 45, 23 May 2018) is dated c.1935 and is the latest 1343 surfaced in the auction record. No 1343 dated post-1938 has surfaced at major auction. The 1490 Brancard runs significantly later, into the early 1940s, but the 1343 Classic appears to wind down at roughly the same time the 1862 Classic is taking over.

	Total production output is not published by Rolex for any Prince reference. The available auction record contains fewer 1343 examples than later Prince references. The Mondani Collection Antiquorum sale (14 May 2006, lot 794) is one documented 1343A example~~; it sold for CHF 10,620 against an estimate of CHF 10,000–14,000~~.		Total production output is not published by Rolex for any Prince reference. The available auction record contains fewer 1343 examples than later Prince references. The Mondani Collection Antiquorum sale (14 May 2006, lot 794) is one documented 1343A example.

	Catalogue text across Bonhams, Antiquorum, Heritage, and Gardiner Houlgate documents three variants: 1343 (no suffix, typically silver examples), 1343A (standard production across multiple metals), and 1343B (the 18K two-colour gold "Tiger Stripe" variant). No source explicitly explains the suffix mapping. The surfaced catalogues associate 1343B with the two-colour case, while 1343 and 1343A appear on several metal types; that pattern should not be treated as a complete factory suffix table. Two lots, Christie's Geneva, 15 November 2000, lot 338, and Antiquorum Geneva, 13 November 1999, lot 243; catalogue a 1343A with a flared, stepped-side case running 42–43 mm long, matching the 1490 Brancard's own case envelope rather than the 20 mm-wide unflared Classic body every other documented 1343/1343A lot shares, including Antiquorum's own 2006 Mondani lot, also labelled 1343A, at the standard 20 mm width. The descriptions may reflect confusion with the 1490 family. Neither catalogue resolves the discrepancy.		Catalogue text across Bonhams, Antiquorum, Heritage, and Gardiner Houlgate documents three variants: 1343 (no suffix, typically silver examples), 1343A (standard production across multiple metals), and 1343B (the 18K two-colour gold "Tiger Stripe" variant). No source explicitly explains the suffix mapping. The surfaced catalogues associate 1343B with the two-colour case, while 1343 and 1343A appear on several metal types; that pattern should not be treated as a complete factory suffix table. Two lots, Christie's Geneva, 15 November 2000, lot 338, and Antiquorum Geneva, 13 November 1999, lot 243; catalogue a 1343A with a flared, stepped-side case running 42–43 mm long, matching the 1490 Brancard's own case envelope rather than the 20 mm-wide unflared Classic body every other documented 1343/1343A lot shares, including Antiquorum's own 2006 Mondani lot, also labelled 1343A, at the standard 20 mm width. The descriptions may reflect confusion with the 1490 family. Neither catalogue resolves the discrepancy.
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	* Sterling silver; Heritage Auctions (lot 5023-61304, c.1930, 43 × 23 mm), Bonhams 16896 (December 2009, 20 × 39 mm)		* Sterling silver; Heritage Auctions (lot 5023-61304, c.1930, 43 × 23 mm), Bonhams 16896 (December 2009, 20 × 39 mm)
	* 9ct yellow gold; Bonhams 17800 (1343A, June 2010~~, sold £2,280~~)		* 9ct yellow gold; Bonhams 17800 (1343A, June 2010)
	* 14K white gold; Gardiner Houlgate (1343A, May 2018, Bucherer-signed, c.1935)		* 14K white gold; Gardiner Houlgate (1343A, May 2018, Bucherer-signed, c.1935)
	* Stainless steel ("Rolesium"); Antiquorum / Mondani (1343A, May 2006~~, hammer CHF 10,620~~)		* Stainless steel ("Rolesium"); Antiquorum / Mondani (1343A, May 2006)
	* 18K two-colour gold "Tiger Stripe"; Bonhams 24632 (1343B, December 2018~~, est. £7,000–9,000~~) and re-offered at Bonhams 25394 (February 2019)		* 18K two-colour gold "Tiger Stripe"; Bonhams 24632 (1343B, December 2018) and re-offered at Bonhams 25394 (February 2019)
	* White gold filigree; documented white-gold filigree example, 20 × 40 mm, seven-position chronometer		* White gold filigree; documented white-gold filigree example, 20 × 40 mm, seven-position chronometer

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	[[File:Ref 1343 doctors-dial.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=9K gold two-tone striped doctor's-dial 1343, Christie's lot 306, case 66840\|9K gold two-tone striped doctor's-dial 1343, Christie's lot 306, case 66840]]		[[File:Ref 1343 doctors-dial.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=9K gold two-tone striped doctor's-dial 1343, Christie's lot 306, case 66840\|9K gold two-tone striped doctor's-dial 1343, Christie's lot 306, case 66840]]

	A documented white gold 1343 carries a restored doctor's-dial sweep-seconds layout. The ~~doctor's~~ complication ~~on the Prince family canonically lives on~~ the 1491 ~~jump-hour; a~~ documented ~~doctor's~~-dial 1343 is unusual, and restoration is the likelier explanation for ~~the~~ layout. Treat any 1343 with a doctor's complication as suspect unless backed by major-house auction provenance.		A documented white gold 1343 carries a restored doctor's-dial sweep-seconds layout. The jump-hour doctor’s complication is associated with the 1491. A documented doctor’s-dial 1343 is unusual, and restoration is the likelier explanation for this layout. Treat any 1343 with a doctor's complication as suspect unless backed by major-house auction provenance.

	The Roman / Breguet numeral, sector, black, salmon, tropical, and Cartier / Tiffany / Asprey / Beyer / Hofkens / Serpico y Laino retailer-signed 1343 configurations have not surfaced in the auction record. Their absence is not proof; the Prince family is documented thinly compared to the post-1953 Oyster sport refs, and additional dial variants may surface as auction catalogues digitise older sales. The Bucherer-signed 1343A is the only documented retailer signature.		The Roman / Breguet numeral, sector, black, salmon, tropical, and Cartier / Tiffany / Asprey / Beyer / Hofkens / Serpico y Laino retailer-signed 1343 configurations have not surfaced in the auction record. Their absence is not proof; the Prince family is documented thinly compared to the post-1953 Oyster sport refs, and additional dial variants may surface as auction catalogues digitise older sales. The Bucherer-signed 1343A is the only documented retailer signature.
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	[[File:Ref 1343 tiger-stripe.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=1343B Tiger Stripe two-colour gold, Bonhams 24632 lot 47\|1343B Tiger Stripe two-colour gold, Bonhams 24632 lot 47]]		[[File:Ref 1343 tiger-stripe.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=1343B Tiger Stripe two-colour gold, Bonhams 24632 lot 47\|1343B Tiger Stripe two-colour gold, Bonhams 24632 lot 47]]

	The 18K two-colour white-and-yellow gold case with alternating vertical stripes is a documented 1343 variant; the ~~"Tiger Stripe"~~ name follows the auction catalogue language. The Bonhams 24632 December 2018 lot (Glasgow assay 1929, retailed by Charles Packer & Co Ltd, 76 Regent St London W~~) is the documented anchor: estimate £7,000–9,000, did not sell, and~~ was re-offered at Bonhams 25394 in February 2019 ~~at £7,000–9,300, again unsold. The~~ watch ~~remained~~ unsold ~~at both offerings~~.		The 18K two-colour white-and-yellow gold case with alternating vertical stripes is a documented 1343 variant; the “Tiger Stripe” name follows the auction catalogue language. The Bonhams 24632 December 2018 lot has Glasgow assay marks dated 1929 and was retailed by Charles Packer & Co Ltd, 76 Regent St London W. It was re-offered at Bonhams 25394 in February 2019; both catalogues record the watch as unsold.

	<span id="1343a-bucherer-signed"></span>		<span id="1343a-bucherer-signed"></span>
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	See also the [[Reference:prince\|Prince family index]], [[Reference:Movements\|movement reference]], [[Reference:Bracelets\|bracelet & clasp guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers\|serial numbers by year]].		See also the [[Reference:prince\|Prince family index]], [[Reference:Movements\|movement reference]], [[Reference:Bracelets\|bracelet & clasp guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers\|serial numbers by year]].

			<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
			Ref 1343 hero.webp\|1343 Prince Classic with parallel-sided case
			Ref 1343 dial-champagne.webp\|Matte champagne dial with gold batons
			Ref 1343 doctors-dial.webp\|Restored doctor's-dial example
			Ref 1343 tiger-stripe.webp\|1343B Tiger Stripe two-colour case
			</gallery>

	== Sources ==		== Sources ==

Klaudiusz: Follow-up: attribute Wind Vintage source

2026-09-28T22:36:00Z

Follow-up: attribute Wind Vintage source

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:36, 28 September 2026
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	== Authentication ==		== Authentication ==

	The 1343 is a 90-year-old reference. The first question on any 1343 is originality across the case, dial, movement, and crown. Service, dial restoration, and replacement parts are common considerations on a watch of this age. Wind Vintage discusses dial refinishing as a recurring issue in vintage Prince examples. A glossy or unusually fresh dial is a prompt for closer comparison with documented examples, not proof of replacement; patina alone does not prove originality.		The 1343 is a 90-year-old reference. The first question on any 1343 is originality across the case, dial, movement, and crown. Service, dial restoration, and replacement parts are common considerations on a watch of this age. Eric Wind, writing at Wind Vintage, discusses dial refinishing as a recurring issue in vintage Prince examples. A glossy or unusually fresh dial is a prompt for closer comparison with documented examples, not proof of replacement; patina alone does not prove originality.

	The case suffix should match the metal: 1343 (no suffix) and 1343A appear in silver, 9ct gold, 14K white gold, and stainless steel; 1343B is the Tiger Stripe two-colour gold only. A 1343B in plain steel or single-colour gold is a misattribution. The case-back hallmarks should match the catalogued production window; Glasgow assay marks dated 1929, London assay marks across the early 1930s, US import marks in the same window. The Bucherer-signed 1343A from c.1935 is the latest dated example in the auction record; a 1343 dated after 1938 should carry strong provenance.		The case suffix should match the metal: 1343 (no suffix) and 1343A appear in silver, 9ct gold, 14K white gold, and stainless steel; 1343B is the Tiger Stripe two-colour gold only. A 1343B in plain steel or single-colour gold is a misattribution. The case-back hallmarks should match the catalogued production window; Glasgow assay marks dated 1929, London assay marks across the early 1930s, US import marks in the same window. The Bucherer-signed 1343A from c.1935 is the latest dated example in the auction record; a 1343 dated after 1938 should carry strong provenance.

Klaudiusz: Deep audit: ground Prince 1343 chronology, variants, movement, and auction claims

2026-09-28T22:35:45Z

Deep audit: ground Prince 1343 chronology, variants, movement, and auction claims

Show changes

Admin: Prose review: remove research commentary, inflated claims and repetitive phrasing

2026-09-12T04:27:52Z

Prose review: remove research commentary, inflated claims and repetitive phrasing

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:27, 12 September 2026
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	</div>		</div>

	The 1343 is the unflared Rolex Prince Classic — the straight-sided rectangular ~~case that anchors every other~~ Prince ~~article on this site~~. It launches in the late 1920s alongside the 971 Brancard, runs roughly until 1935, and survives in silver, 9ct gold, 14K white gold, stainless steel, and the two-colour 1343B "Tiger Stripe" variant. ~~Friedberg's foundational~~ 2001 TimeZone ~~taxonomy locks in~~ the case~~-shape rule that holds across the family~~: Classic 1343 with parallel sides, Brancard 971 with the flared waist~~. Almost every Prince article on Rolexopedia reaches back to the 1343 to set up that distinction~~.		The 1343 is the unflared Rolex Prince Classic — the straight-sided rectangular version of the early Prince. It launches in the late 1920s alongside the 971 Brancard, runs roughly until 1935, and survives in silver, 9ct gold, 14K white gold, stainless steel, and the two-colour 1343B "Tiger Stripe" variant. Michael Friedberg’s 2001 TimeZone essay distinguishes the two case shapes: Classic 1343 with parallel sides, Brancard 971 with the flared waist.

	~~Inside that taxonomy lives a contradiction worth stating~~. Friedberg and the Dutch ''rolexencyclopedie.nl'' canon treat 1343 + 971 as the 1928 launch pair. ''Rolex Magazine'' (Jake Ehrlich, May 2017) and more recent editorial instead pair 1343 with 1490 — the larger, longer-produced Brancard that overlaps with then succeeds 971. Both readings are on the public record. The ~~cleanest reconciliation is that~~ 971 was the ~~original~~ Brancard and 1490 ~~the~~ longer~~-produced sibling; modern editorial~~ that ~~drops 971 conflates "first" with "most encountered~~." The 1343 sits opposite both of them as the Classic.		Sources disagree on the references offered at the Prince’s launch. Friedberg and the Dutch ''rolexencyclopedie.nl'' canon treat 1343 + 971 as the 1928 launch pair. ''Rolex Magazine'' (Jake Ehrlich, May 2017) and more recent editorial instead pair 1343 with 1490 — the larger, longer-produced Brancard that overlaps with then succeeds 971. Both readings are on the public record. The 971 was the earlier Brancard and the 1490 remained in production longer, but that sequence does not resolve the conflicting launch accounts. The 1343 sits opposite both of them as the Classic.

	<span id="core-facts"></span>		<span id="core-facts"></span>
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	Total production output is not published by Rolex for any Prince reference. The 1343 surfaces less frequently at major auction than the 1490 Brancard but more frequently than the 1527 Railway or the 3361 Aerodynamic. The Mondani Collection Antiquorum sale (14 May 2006, lot 794) is the canonical primary catalogue and the highest-watermark Antiquorum lot in the documented record at hammer CHF 10,620 against estimate CHF 10,000–14,000.		Total production output is not published by Rolex for any Prince reference. The 1343 surfaces less frequently at major auction than the 1490 Brancard but more frequently than the 1527 Railway or the 3361 Aerodynamic. The Mondani Collection Antiquorum sale (14 May 2006, lot 794) is the canonical primary catalogue and the highest-watermark Antiquorum lot in the documented record at hammer CHF 10,620 against estimate CHF 10,000–14,000.

	~~The suffix system matters.~~ Catalogue text across Bonhams, Antiquorum, Heritage, and Gardiner Houlgate documents three variants: 1343 (no suffix, typically silver examples), 1343A (standard production across multiple metals), and 1343B (the 18K two-colour gold "Tiger Stripe" variant). No source explicitly explains the suffix mapping, but the pattern parallels the 971 / 971A relationship and the 1343A as the dominant standard with 1343B as the special two-colour configuration is consistent across surfaced examples. Two lots — Christie's Geneva, 15 November 2000, lot 338, and Antiquorum Geneva, 13 November 1999, lot 243 — catalogue a 1343A with a flared, stepped-side case running 42–43 mm long, matching the 1490 Brancard's own case envelope rather than the 20 mm-wide unflared Classic body every other documented 1343/1343A lot shares, including Antiquorum's own 2006 Mondani lot, also labelled 1343A, at the standard 20 mm width. The ~~likelier read is a recurring reference-number mix-up~~ with the 1490 family ~~rather than a genuine flared 1343 sub-variant, but no source~~ resolves ~~it definitively~~.		Catalogue text across Bonhams, Antiquorum, Heritage, and Gardiner Houlgate documents three variants: 1343 (no suffix, typically silver examples), 1343A (standard production across multiple metals), and 1343B (the 18K two-colour gold "Tiger Stripe" variant). No source explicitly explains the suffix mapping, but the pattern parallels the 971 / 971A relationship and the 1343A as the dominant standard with 1343B as the special two-colour configuration is consistent across surfaced examples. Two lots — Christie's Geneva, 15 November 2000, lot 338, and Antiquorum Geneva, 13 November 1999, lot 243 — catalogue a 1343A with a flared, stepped-side case running 42–43 mm long, matching the 1490 Brancard's own case envelope rather than the 20 mm-wide unflared Classic body every other documented 1343/1343A lot shares, including Antiquorum's own 2006 Mondani lot, also labelled 1343A, at the standard 20 mm width. The descriptions may reflect confusion with the 1490 family. Neither catalogue resolves the discrepancy.

	<span id="movement-notes"></span>		<span id="movement-notes"></span>
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	* White gold filigree — documented white-gold filigree example, 20 × 40 mm, seven-position chronometer		* White gold filigree — documented white-gold filigree example, 20 × 40 mm, seven-position chronometer

	No platinum 1343 surfaces in the auction record. Platinum is documented only on the 971 Brancard and certain 1490 examples; ~~the~~ 1343 ~~Classic appears to be~~ steel-and-gold ~~only~~.		No platinum 1343 surfaces in the auction record. Platinum is documented only on the 971 Brancard and certain 1490 examples; documented 1343 cases are silver, steel and gold.

	<span id="dial-map"></span>		<span id="dial-map"></span>
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	[[File:Ref 1343 tiger-stripe.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=1343B Tiger Stripe two-colour gold, Bonhams 24632 lot 47\|1343B Tiger Stripe two-colour gold, Bonhams 24632 lot 47]]		[[File:Ref 1343 tiger-stripe.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=1343B Tiger Stripe two-colour gold, Bonhams 24632 lot 47\|1343B Tiger Stripe two-colour gold, Bonhams 24632 lot 47]]

	The 18K two-colour white-and-yellow gold case with alternating vertical stripes is the headline 1343 special variant — the "Tiger Stripe" name follows period catalogue language. The Bonhams 24632 December 2018 lot (Glasgow assay 1929, retailed by Charles Packer & Co Ltd, 76 Regent St London W) is the documented anchor: estimate £7,000–9,000, did not sell, and was re-offered at Bonhams 25394 in February 2019 at £7,000–9,300, again unsold. The ~~Tiger Stripe is the visually distinctive 1343 — the only 1343 sub-variant that departs from the standard case material~~ at ~~all. Two unsold~~ offerings ~~at strong estimates suggest the secondary market reads the variant as scarce, but not scarce enough to clear the high estimates without a stronger consignor narrative~~.		The 18K two-colour white-and-yellow gold case with alternating vertical stripes is the headline 1343 special variant — the "Tiger Stripe" name follows period catalogue language. The Bonhams 24632 December 2018 lot (Glasgow assay 1929, retailed by Charles Packer & Co Ltd, 76 Regent St London W) is the documented anchor: estimate £7,000–9,000, did not sell, and was re-offered at Bonhams 25394 in February 2019 at £7,000–9,300, again unsold. The watch remained unsold at both offerings.

	<span id="1343a-bucherer-signed"></span>		<span id="1343a-bucherer-signed"></span>
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	\|}		\|}

	Phillips's documented Prince catalogue activity concentrates on 971 (multiple platinum lots), 1490 (the Beyer 1998 retailer-signed example), and 1862. No Phillips 1343 lot essay surfaces in the auction record through 2025. Sotheby's and Christie's similarly carry 1343 less prominently — the Bonhams Tiger Stripe re-offering and the Antiquorum / Mondani lot are the strongest auction anchors. The 1343 Classic has historically traded approximately ten percent below the 1490 Brancard at retail per ''Chrono24 Magazine''~~, which may explain Phillips's preference for the Brancard in headline essay material~~.		Phillips's documented Prince catalogue activity concentrates on 971 (multiple platinum lots), 1490 (the Beyer 1998 retailer-signed example), and 1862. No Phillips 1343 lot essay surfaces in the auction record through 2025. Sotheby's and Christie's similarly carry 1343 less prominently — the Bonhams Tiger Stripe re-offering and the Antiquorum / Mondani lot are the strongest auction anchors. The 1343 Classic has historically traded approximately ten percent below the 1490 Brancard at retail per ''Chrono24 Magazine''.

	<span id="authentication"></span>		<span id="authentication"></span>

Klaudiusz: Fact audit: correct unsupported superlative/attribution claims per source verification

2026-09-07T12:55:46Z

Fact audit: correct unsupported superlative/attribution claims per source verification

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:55, 7 September 2026
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	Total production output is not published by Rolex for any Prince reference. The 1343 surfaces less frequently at major auction than the 1490 Brancard but more frequently than the 1527 Railway or the 3361 Aerodynamic. The Mondani Collection Antiquorum sale (14 May 2006, lot 794) is the canonical primary catalogue and the highest-watermark Antiquorum lot in the documented record at hammer CHF 10,620 against estimate CHF 10,000–14,000.		Total production output is not published by Rolex for any Prince reference. The 1343 surfaces less frequently at major auction than the 1490 Brancard but more frequently than the 1527 Railway or the 3361 Aerodynamic. The Mondani Collection Antiquorum sale (14 May 2006, lot 794) is the canonical primary catalogue and the highest-watermark Antiquorum lot in the documented record at hammer CHF 10,620 against estimate CHF 10,000–14,000.

	The suffix system matters. Catalogue text across Bonhams, Antiquorum, Heritage, and Gardiner Houlgate documents three variants: 1343 (no suffix, typically silver examples), 1343A (standard production across multiple metals), and 1343B (the 18K two-colour gold "Tiger Stripe" variant). No source explicitly explains the suffix mapping, but the pattern parallels the 971 / 971A relationship and the 1343A as the dominant standard with 1343B as the special two-colour configuration is consistent across surfaced examples.		The suffix system matters. Catalogue text across Bonhams, Antiquorum, Heritage, and Gardiner Houlgate documents three variants: 1343 (no suffix, typically silver examples), 1343A (standard production across multiple metals), and 1343B (the 18K two-colour gold "Tiger Stripe" variant). No source explicitly explains the suffix mapping, but the pattern parallels the 971 / 971A relationship and the 1343A as the dominant standard with 1343B as the special two-colour configuration is consistent across surfaced examples. Two lots — Christie's Geneva, 15 November 2000, lot 338, and Antiquorum Geneva, 13 November 1999, lot 243 — catalogue a 1343A with a flared, stepped-side case running 42–43 mm long, matching the 1490 Brancard's own case envelope rather than the 20 mm-wide unflared Classic body every other documented 1343/1343A lot shares, including Antiquorum's own 2006 Mondani lot, also labelled 1343A, at the standard 20 mm width. The likelier read is a recurring reference-number mix-up with the 1490 family rather than a genuine flared 1343 sub-variant, but no source resolves it definitively.

	<span id="movement-notes"></span>		<span id="movement-notes"></span>

Klaudiusz: Text audit: voice, clarity, source links

2026-09-07T04:58:08Z

Text audit: voice, clarity, source links

Admin: Coverage: place 3 sourced images (Antiquorum champagne dial, Christie's doctor's-dial 1343, Bonhams Tiger Stripe) inline in Dial map and Special branches

2026-09-07T04:52:36Z

Coverage: place 3 sourced images (Antiquorum champagne dial, Christie's doctor's-dial 1343, Bonhams Tiger Stripe) inline in Dial map and Special branches

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:52, 7 September 2026
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	<span id="matte-champagne-applied-batons"></span>		<span id="matte-champagne-applied-batons"></span>
	=== Matte champagne with applied yellow gold baton indices ===		=== Matte champagne with applied yellow gold baton indices ===
			[[File:Ref 1343 dial-champagne.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Matte champagne dial with applied yellow gold batons, Antiquorum / Mondani lot 794\|Matte champagne dial with applied yellow gold batons, Antiquorum / Mondani lot 794]]

	The Antiquorum / Mondani 1343A (May 2006, lot 794) wears this dial — matte champagne ground with applied yellow gold baton hour markers rather than Arabic numerals. Less common than the Arabic-numeral configuration; on the stainless steel "Rolesium" case the contrast between the gold batons and the steel case is the visual signature.		The Antiquorum / Mondani 1343A (May 2006, lot 794) wears this dial — matte champagne ground with applied yellow gold baton hour markers rather than Arabic numerals. Less common than the Arabic-numeral configuration; on the stainless steel "Rolesium" case the contrast between the gold batons and the steel case is the visual signature.
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	<span id="restored-doctors-dial"></span>		<span id="restored-doctors-dial"></span>
	=== Restored doctor's dial ===		=== Restored doctor's dial ===
			[[File:Ref 1343 doctors-dial.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=9K gold two-tone striped doctor's-dial 1343, Christie's lot 306, case 66840\|9K gold two-tone striped doctor's-dial 1343, Christie's lot 306, case 66840]]

	A documented white gold 1343 carries a restored doctor's-dial sweep-seconds layout. The doctor's complication on the Prince family canonically lives on the 1491 jump-hour — a documented doctor's-dial 1343 is unusual and likely restored rather than original. Treat any 1343 with a doctor's complication as suspect unless backed by major-house auction provenance.		A documented white gold 1343 carries a restored doctor's-dial sweep-seconds layout. The doctor's complication on the Prince family canonically lives on the 1491 jump-hour — a documented doctor's-dial 1343 is unusual and likely restored rather than original. Treat any 1343 with a doctor's complication as suspect unless backed by major-house auction provenance.
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	<span id="1343b-tiger-stripe"></span>		<span id="1343b-tiger-stripe"></span>
	=== 1343B Tiger Stripe two-colour gold ===		=== 1343B Tiger Stripe two-colour gold ===
			[[File:Ref 1343 tiger-stripe.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=1343B Tiger Stripe two-colour gold, Bonhams 24632 lot 47\|1343B Tiger Stripe two-colour gold, Bonhams 24632 lot 47]]

	The headline 1343 special variant. 18K two-colour white-and-yellow gold case with alternating vertical stripes — the "Tiger Stripe" name follows period catalogue language. The Bonhams 24632 December 2018 lot (Glasgow assay 1929, retailed by Charles Packer & Co Ltd, 76 Regent St London W) is the documented anchor: estimate £7,000–9,000, did not sell, and was re-offered at Bonhams 25394 in February 2019 at £7,000–9,300, again unsold. The Tiger Stripe is the visually distinctive 1343 — the only 1343 sub-variant that breaks the standard rectangular case material in any material way. Two unsold offerings at strong estimates suggests the secondary market reads the variant as scarce but not enough to clear the high estimates without a stronger consignor narrative.		The headline 1343 special variant. 18K two-colour white-and-yellow gold case with alternating vertical stripes — the "Tiger Stripe" name follows period catalogue language. The Bonhams 24632 December 2018 lot (Glasgow assay 1929, retailed by Charles Packer & Co Ltd, 76 Regent St London W) is the documented anchor: estimate £7,000–9,000, did not sell, and was re-offered at Bonhams 25394 in February 2019 at £7,000–9,300, again unsold. The Tiger Stripe is the visually distinctive 1343 — the only 1343 sub-variant that breaks the standard rectangular case material in any material way. Two unsold offerings at strong estimates suggests the secondary market reads the variant as scarce but not enough to clear the high estimates without a stronger consignor narrative.

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	<div class="rp-lead">		<div class="rp-lead">
	[[File:Ref 1343 hero.webp\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=Rolex 1343 Prince Classic\|Rolex 1343 Prince Classic]]		[[File:Ref 1343 hero.webp\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=Rolex 1343 Prince Classic, two-tone silvered dial, c.1930\|Rolex 1343 Prince Classic, two-tone silvered dial, c.1930]]
	</div>		</div>

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	<div class="rp-lead">		<div class="rp-lead">
	[[File:Ref 1343 hero.webp\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=Rolex 1343 Prince Classic~~, two-tone silvered dial, c.1930~~\|Rolex 1343 Prince Classic~~, two-tone silvered dial, c.1930~~]]		[[File:Ref 1343 hero.webp\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=Rolex 1343 Prince Classic\|Rolex 1343 Prince Classic]]
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	<small>[[Reference:prince\|Prince]] › '''1343'''</small>		<small>[[Reference:prince\|Prince]] › '''1343'''</small>

			<div class="rp-lead">
			[[File:Ref 1343 hero.webp\|thumb\|center\|640px\|alt=Rolex 1343 Prince Classic, two-tone silvered dial, c.1930\|Rolex 1343 Prince Classic, two-tone silvered dial, c.1930]]
			</div>

	The 1343 is the unflared Rolex Prince Classic — the straight-sided rectangular case that anchors every other Prince article on this site. It launches in the late 1920s alongside the 971 Brancard, runs roughly until 1935, and survives in silver, 9ct gold, 14K white gold, stainless steel, and the two-colour 1343B "Tiger Stripe" variant. Friedberg's foundational 2001 TimeZone taxonomy locks in the case-shape rule that holds across the family: Classic 1343 with parallel sides, Brancard 971 with the flared waist. Almost every Prince article on Rolexopedia reaches back to the 1343 to set up that distinction.		The 1343 is the unflared Rolex Prince Classic — the straight-sided rectangular case that anchors every other Prince article on this site. It launches in the late 1920s alongside the 971 Brancard, runs roughly until 1935, and survives in silver, 9ct gold, 14K white gold, stainless steel, and the two-colour 1343B "Tiger Stripe" variant. Friedberg's foundational 2001 TimeZone taxonomy locks in the case-shape rule that holds across the family: Classic 1343 with parallel sides, Brancard 971 with the flared waist. Almost every Prince article on Rolexopedia reaches back to the 1343 to set up that distinction.
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	<span id="core-facts"></span>		<span id="core-facts"></span>

	~~[[File:Ref 1343 hero.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Rolex 1343 Prince Classic\|Rolex 1343 Prince Classic, two-tone silvered dial, c.1930]]~~

	== Core facts ==		== Core facts ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:58, 7 September 2026
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	The 1343 carries Rolex's first Prince architecture — the smaller, more reserved Classic envelope — and the same Aegler shaped-caliber that powers the rest of the early Prince line. Production overlaps with the 971 Brancard (both running 1928–29 through the early 1930s), and pre-dates the longer-faced 1490 Brancard, the stepped Railway 1527 (1935), and the centre-seconds Aerodynamic 3361 (1939 Zurich exhibition). The 1862 Classic and the 3937 late Brancard close the family.		The 1343 carries Rolex's first Prince architecture — the smaller, more reserved Classic envelope — and the same Aegler shaped-caliber that powers the rest of the early Prince line. Production overlaps with the 971 Brancard (both running 1928–29 through the early 1930s), and pre-dates the longer-faced 1490 Brancard, the stepped Railway 1527 (1935), and the centre-seconds Aerodynamic 3361 (1939 Zurich exhibition). The 1862 Classic and the 3937 late Brancard close the family.

	The 1343 is the reference Friedberg uses to define what "Classic" means at all. Without the 1343, the published Prince articles rest their Classic lineage on the 1862 alone — which is why every published Prince article cross-references back to the 1343 launch reference even before this article existed.

	<span id="production-outline"></span>		<span id="production-outline"></span>
	== Production outline ==		== Production outline ==

	The launch year is contested. Friedberg and most modern editorial put the 1343 at the 1928 launch alongside the 971. Bonhams's catalogue text on the 1343B Tiger Stripe (sale 24632, December 2018) reads instead "the Prince model was introduced by Rolex in 1929 and continued until 1935." Both years are defensible: a 1928 Swiss launch with first-British-import Glasgow assay marks dated 1929 fits the documented examples. Treat 1928–29 as the launch window ~~rather than picking~~ one year.		The launch year is contested. Friedberg and most modern editorial put the 1343 at the 1928 launch alongside the 971. Bonhams's catalogue text on the 1343B Tiger Stripe (sale 24632, December 2018) reads instead "the Prince model was introduced by Rolex in 1929 and continued until 1935." Both years are defensible: a 1928 Swiss launch with first-British-import Glasgow assay marks dated 1929 fits the documented examples. Treat 1928–29 as the launch window; the sources do not narrow cleanly to one year.

	The end-year reading is firmer. The Bonhams catalogue text places production through 1935. The Bucherer-signed 14K white gold 1343A at Gardiner Houlgate (lot 45, 23 May 2018) is dated c.1935 and is the latest 1343 surfaced in the auction record. No 1343 dated post-1938 has surfaced at major auction. The 1490 Brancard runs significantly later — into the early 1940s — but the 1343 Classic appears to wind down at roughly the same time the 1862 Classic is taking over.		The end-year reading is firmer. The Bonhams catalogue text places production through 1935. The Bucherer-signed 14K white gold 1343A at Gardiner Houlgate (lot 45, 23 May 2018) is dated c.1935 and is the latest 1343 surfaced in the auction record. No 1343 dated post-1938 has surfaced at major auction. The 1490 Brancard runs significantly later — into the early 1940s — but the 1343 Classic appears to wind down at roughly the same time the 1862 Classic is taking over.
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	Cal. 460, the designation later applied to certain Prince movements, does not surface on documented 1343 lots. The Rolex ''Texte Sélecté'' (T.S.) caliber that powers the later 1490, 1491, and 1527 references is also not catalogued on the 1343 — the 1343's production era pre-dates the T.S. nomenclature. Movement physical envelope is approximately 32 × 15 mm rectangular, with the winding barrel at one end and the balance at the other per the 1927 Aegler shaped-caliber patent.		Cal. 460, the designation later applied to certain Prince movements, does not surface on documented 1343 lots. The Rolex ''Texte Sélecté'' (T.S.) caliber that powers the later 1490, 1491, and 1527 references is also not catalogued on the 1343 — the 1343's production era pre-dates the T.S. nomenclature. Movement physical envelope is approximately 32 × 15 mm rectangular, with the winding barrel at one end and the balance at the other per the 1927 Aegler shaped-caliber patent.

	The chronometer-grade attribution is consistent. Every surfaced 1343 lot is described as Observatory Quality / Extra Prima — Rolex's contemporary trade text for the highest commercial grade of the period, indicating the movement passed Bienne or Geneva Observatory rate certification before casing. A documented white gold 1343 is adjusted to seven positions ~~rather than~~ the typical 6 — Rolex's catalogue text from the period describes seven-adjustment movements as the highest grade offered in the Prince line and notes that they are uncommon. The Gardiner Houlgate Bucherer-signed 1343A carries movement number 8325 — likely a movement serial number ~~rather than a caliber designation~~, ~~paralleling~~ the format on other Bonhams Prince lots.		The chronometer-grade attribution is consistent. Every surfaced 1343 lot is described as Observatory Quality / Extra Prima — Rolex's contemporary trade text for the highest commercial grade of the period, indicating the movement passed Bienne or Geneva Observatory rate certification before casing. A documented white gold 1343 is adjusted to seven positions; the typical grade is 6. Rolex's catalogue text from the period describes seven-adjustment movements as the highest grade offered in the Prince line and notes that they are uncommon. The Gardiner Houlgate Bucherer-signed 1343A carries movement number 8325 — most likely a movement serial number, matching the format on other Bonhams Prince lots.

	<span id="case-and-construction"></span>		<span id="case-and-construction"></span>
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	The case is rectangular, parallel-sided, snap-on back. Two distinct dimensional clusters surface across documented examples: a smaller 20 × 35 mm envelope on the Bonhams 1343B Tiger Stripe and a larger 20 × 39–40 mm envelope across the Heritage sterling, Mondani stainless, Bonhams 16896 silver, and a documented white gold example. Whether these represent two genuine sub-variants of the case or a measurement difference (with versus without lugs) is not resolved in the surfaced sources. Both dimensional readings are documented and both should be expected on surviving examples.		The case is rectangular, parallel-sided, snap-on back. Two distinct dimensional clusters surface across documented examples: a smaller 20 × 35 mm envelope on the Bonhams 1343B Tiger Stripe and a larger 20 × 39–40 mm envelope across the Heritage sterling, Mondani stainless, Bonhams 16896 silver, and a documented white gold example. Whether these represent two genuine sub-variants of the case or a measurement difference (with versus without lugs) is not resolved in the surfaced sources. Both dimensional readings are documented and both should be expected on surviving examples.

	The case is consistently described as "stepped sides" or "tonneau" in catalogue text — period Art Deco geometry, with the lateral edges chamfered or stepped ~~rather than left flat~~. The lugs are short ~~and integrated into~~ the case ~~shape rather than~~ soldered ~~as separate pieces~~. The crystal is mineral glass; period-correct replacements are common given the 90-year service life.		The case is consistently described as "stepped sides" or "tonneau" in catalogue text — period Art Deco geometry, with the lateral edges chamfered or stepped for a faceted profile. The lugs are short, cast as one piece with the case, without a separate soldered joint. The crystal is mineral glass; period-correct replacements are common given the 90-year service life.

	Materials documented across major-house lots:		Materials documented across major-house lots:
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	== Dial map ==		== Dial map ==

	The 1343 dial map is narrower than the 1490 or 1527 — fewer surfaced examples, less variation ~~across the surfaced examples that exist~~. Documented configurations across major-house lots:		The 1343 dial map is narrower than the 1490 or 1527: fewer surfaced examples, less variation among them. Documented configurations across major-house lots:

	<span id="two-tone-silvered-arabic"></span>		<span id="two-tone-silvered-arabic"></span>
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	[[File:Ref 1343 dial-champagne.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Matte champagne dial with applied yellow gold batons, Antiquorum / Mondani lot 794\|Matte champagne dial with applied yellow gold batons, Antiquorum / Mondani lot 794]]		[[File:Ref 1343 dial-champagne.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=Matte champagne dial with applied yellow gold batons, Antiquorum / Mondani lot 794\|Matte champagne dial with applied yellow gold batons, Antiquorum / Mondani lot 794]]

	The Antiquorum / Mondani 1343A (May 2006, lot 794) wears this dial — matte champagne ground with applied yellow gold baton hour markers ~~rather than~~ Arabic numerals. Less common than the Arabic-numeral configuration; on the stainless steel "Rolesium" case the contrast between the gold batons and the steel case is the visual signature.		The Antiquorum / Mondani 1343A (May 2006, lot 794) wears this dial — matte champagne ground with applied yellow gold baton hour markers in place of Arabic numerals. Less common than the Arabic-numeral configuration; on the stainless steel "Rolesium" case the contrast between the gold batons and the steel case is the visual signature.

	<span id="sterling-arabic-with-blue-batons"></span>		<span id="sterling-arabic-with-blue-batons"></span>
	=== Sterling silver with golden Arabic numerals and blue corner batons ===		=== Sterling silver with golden Arabic numerals and blue corner batons ===

	The Heritage Auctions sterling 1343 (lot 5023-61304, c.1930) carries the most decorative dial in the auction record — sterling ground with golden luminescent Arabic numerals plus blue applied baton indices and corner geometric trim. Catalogued as "Prince Classic Duo Dial" — the duo-dial term ~~references the~~ visually-divided main-time / sub-seconds layout ~~rather than~~ the digital-aperture jump-hour mechanism ~~that lives~~ on the 1491.		The Heritage Auctions sterling 1343 (lot 5023-61304, c.1930) carries the most decorative dial in the auction record — sterling ground with golden luminescent Arabic numerals plus blue applied baton indices and corner geometric trim. Catalogued as "Prince Classic Duo Dial" — the duo-dial term is specific to this visually-divided main-time / sub-seconds layout, a separate feature from the digital-aperture jump-hour mechanism on the 1491 despite the similar name.

	<span id="restored-doctors-dial"></span>		<span id="restored-doctors-dial"></span>
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	[[File:Ref 1343 doctors-dial.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=9K gold two-tone striped doctor's-dial 1343, Christie's lot 306, case 66840\|9K gold two-tone striped doctor's-dial 1343, Christie's lot 306, case 66840]]		[[File:Ref 1343 doctors-dial.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=9K gold two-tone striped doctor's-dial 1343, Christie's lot 306, case 66840\|9K gold two-tone striped doctor's-dial 1343, Christie's lot 306, case 66840]]

	A documented white gold 1343 carries a restored doctor's-dial sweep-seconds layout. The doctor's complication on the Prince family canonically lives on the 1491 jump-hour — a documented doctor's-dial 1343 is unusual and ~~likely restored rather than original~~. Treat any 1343 with a doctor's complication as suspect unless backed by major-house auction provenance.		A documented white gold 1343 carries a restored doctor's-dial sweep-seconds layout. The doctor's complication on the Prince family canonically lives on the 1491 jump-hour — a documented doctor's-dial 1343 is unusual, and restoration is the likelier explanation for the layout. Treat any 1343 with a doctor's complication as suspect unless backed by major-house auction provenance.

	The Roman / Breguet numeral, sector, black, salmon, tropical, and Cartier / Tiffany / Asprey / Beyer / Hofkens / Serpico y Laino retailer-signed 1343 configurations have not surfaced in the auction record. Their absence is not proof — the Prince family is documented thinly compared to the post-1953 Oyster sport refs, and additional dial variants may surface as auction catalogues digitise older sales. The Bucherer-signed 1343A is the only documented retailer signature.		The Roman / Breguet numeral, sector, black, salmon, tropical, and Cartier / Tiffany / Asprey / Beyer / Hofkens / Serpico y Laino retailer-signed 1343 configurations have not surfaced in the auction record. Their absence is not proof — the Prince family is documented thinly compared to the post-1953 Oyster sport refs, and additional dial variants may surface as auction catalogues digitise older sales. The Bucherer-signed 1343A is the only documented retailer signature.
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	[[File:Ref 1343 tiger-stripe.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=1343B Tiger Stripe two-colour gold, Bonhams 24632 lot 47\|1343B Tiger Stripe two-colour gold, Bonhams 24632 lot 47]]		[[File:Ref 1343 tiger-stripe.webp\|thumb\|right\|220px\|alt=1343B Tiger Stripe two-colour gold, Bonhams 24632 lot 47\|1343B Tiger Stripe two-colour gold, Bonhams 24632 lot 47]]

	The ~~headline 1343 special variant.~~ 18K two-colour white-and-yellow gold case with alternating vertical stripes — the "Tiger Stripe" name follows period catalogue language. The Bonhams 24632 December 2018 lot (Glasgow assay 1929, retailed by Charles Packer & Co Ltd, 76 Regent St London W) is the documented anchor: estimate £7,000–9,000, did not sell, and was re-offered at Bonhams 25394 in February 2019 at £7,000–9,300, again unsold. The Tiger Stripe is the visually distinctive 1343 — the only 1343 sub-variant that ~~breaks~~ the standard ~~rectangular~~ case material ~~in any material way~~. Two unsold offerings at strong estimates ~~suggests~~ the secondary market reads the variant as scarce but not enough to clear the high estimates without a stronger consignor narrative.		The 18K two-colour white-and-yellow gold case with alternating vertical stripes is the headline 1343 special variant — the "Tiger Stripe" name follows period catalogue language. The Bonhams 24632 December 2018 lot (Glasgow assay 1929, retailed by Charles Packer & Co Ltd, 76 Regent St London W) is the documented anchor: estimate £7,000–9,000, did not sell, and was re-offered at Bonhams 25394 in February 2019 at £7,000–9,300, again unsold. The Tiger Stripe is the visually distinctive 1343 — the only 1343 sub-variant that departs from the standard case material at all. Two unsold offerings at strong estimates suggest the secondary market reads the variant as scarce, but not scarce enough to clear the high estimates without a stronger consignor narrative.

	<span id="1343a-bucherer-signed"></span>		<span id="1343a-bucherer-signed"></span>
	=== 1343A Bucherer-signed ===		=== 1343A Bucherer-signed ===

	The Gardiner Houlgate The Watch Sale (lot 45, 23 May 2018) catalogued a 14K white gold 1343A, c.1935, with the dial signed ''C.Bucherer's'' — the Lucerne retailer that grew into the modern Bucherer Group. Movement number 8325, serial 67xxx, 15 jewels Observatory Quality. The only documented retailer-signed 1343 ~~in documented examples~~ and the latest dated 1343 across all sources. Bucherer signatures are common on later Datejust and Day-Date references; on a Prince of this era they are rare.		The Gardiner Houlgate The Watch Sale (lot 45, 23 May 2018) catalogued a 14K white gold 1343A, c.1935, with the dial signed ''C.Bucherer's'' — the Lucerne retailer that grew into the modern Bucherer Group. Movement number 8325, serial 67xxx, 15 jewels Observatory Quality. The only documented retailer-signed 1343 and the latest dated 1343 across all sources. Bucherer signatures are common on later Datejust and Day-Date references; on a Prince of this era they are rare.

	<span id="seven-position-chronometer"></span>		<span id="seven-position-chronometer"></span>
	=== Seven-position chronometer 1343 ===		=== Seven-position chronometer 1343 ===

	A documented white gold 1343 is adjusted to seven positions ~~rather than~~ the standard six. The seven-adjustment grade was the highest commercial grade Rolex offered on the Prince line, and the period Rolex catalogue text reads it as uncommon. No major-house lot anchors the seven-position 1343; it surfaces only in dealer listings.		A documented white gold 1343 is adjusted to seven positions; the standard grade is six. The seven-adjustment grade was the highest commercial grade Rolex offered on the Prince line, and the period Rolex catalogue text reads it as uncommon. No major-house lot anchors the seven-position 1343; it surfaces only in dealer listings.

	<span id="historical-market-and-auction-record"></span>		<span id="historical-market-and-auction-record"></span>