Reference:1599 - Revision history

Admin: Copy edit: remove redundant qualification from movement notes

2026-10-28T11:11:33Z

Copy edit: remove redundant qualification from movement notes

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:11, 28 October 2026
Line 17:		Line 17:
	</div>		</div>

	Auction catalogues use 1599 for covered Sporting Princes, sometimes ~~after~~ 1872, 1879 or 1883. Bonhams labels an open-face Prince ref. 1599; Dorotheum lists 1599 as the case number on another open-face Prince. The records leave Rolex's use of the number unclear.		Auction catalogues use 1599 for covered Sporting Princes, sometimes paired with 1872, 1879 or 1883. Bonhams labels an open-face Prince ref. 1599; Dorotheum lists 1599 as the case number on another open-face Prince. The records leave Rolex's use of the number unclear.

	==Core facts==		==Core facts==
Line 54:		Line 54:
	==Movement notes==		==Movement notes==

	The 1994 Antiquorum lot pairs 1872-1599 with a 7-line, 18-jewel Ultra Prima. Other covered examples have Extra Prima movements: Antiquorum's 2004 ref. 1599 and Christie's 1879/1599 are listed as 15-jewel, while Watches of Knightsbridge's 1599 and Antiquorum's 1883/1599 are listed as 17-jewel. Christie's says its movement was timed in six positions ([https://auctions.watchesofknightsbridge.com/past-auctions/srwatc10068/lot-details/dbee78a9-2065-4330-8168-b3910171c714 Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1883-1599-lot-295-271 Antiquorum, lot 271])~~. The lots document both grades, but give no date for a change between them~~.		The 1994 Antiquorum lot pairs 1872-1599 with a 7-line, 18-jewel Ultra Prima. Other covered examples have Extra Prima movements: Antiquorum's 2004 ref. 1599 and Christie's 1879/1599 are listed as 15-jewel, while Watches of Knightsbridge's 1599 and Antiquorum's 1883/1599 are listed as 17-jewel. Christie's says its movement was timed in six positions ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4785370 Christie's, lot 101]; [https://auctions.watchesofknightsbridge.com/past-auctions/srwatc10068/lot-details/dbee78a9-2065-4330-8168-b3910171c714 Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1883-1599-lot-295-271 Antiquorum, lot 271]).

	Bonhams lists an 18-jewel manual movement in its open-face ref. 1599 listing ([https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25955/lot/35/rolex-a-fine-18k-gold-manual-wind-rectangular-wristwatch-prince-ref-1599-circa-1930/ lot 35, 2020]). The catalogue masks its number. The [[Reference:Movements\|Prince movement guide]] covers the Extra Prima and Ultra Prima grades named in these lots.		Bonhams lists an 18-jewel manual movement in its open-face ref. 1599 listing ([https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25955/lot/35/rolex-a-fine-18k-gold-manual-wind-rectangular-wristwatch-prince-ref-1599-circa-1930/ lot 35, 2020]). The catalogue masks its number. The [[Reference:Movements\|Prince movement guide]] covers the Extra Prima and Ultra Prima grades named in these lots.

Admin: Copy edit: remove stiff phrasing and clarify catalogue evidence

2026-10-28T11:10:50Z

Copy edit: remove stiff phrasing and clarify catalogue evidence

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:10, 28 October 2026
Line 17:		Line 17:
	</div>		</div>

	~~Catalogues~~ use ~~ref.~~ 1599 for covered Sporting Princes ~~and also pair it with~~ 1872, 1879 or 1883. Bonhams ~~calls~~ an open-face Prince ref. 1599; Dorotheum ~~records~~ case ~~no. 1599~~ on ~~a similar watch~~. The records ~~do not show whether~~ Rolex ~~used~~ the number ~~for all these watches~~.		Auction catalogues use 1599 for covered Sporting Princes, sometimes after 1872, 1879 or 1883. Bonhams labels an open-face Prince ref. 1599; Dorotheum lists 1599 as the case number on another open-face Prince. The records leave Rolex's use of the number unclear.

	==Core facts==		==Core facts==
Line 42:		Line 42:
	==Where it sits in the line==		==Where it sits in the line==

	Ref. 1599 is a rectangular Prince. In ''The Watch: A Twentieth-Century Style History'' (Prestel, 2019)~~, Alexander Barter describes the Sporting Prince and Sporting Princess as purse watches with sliding covers. His 1931 example is signed Texina~~.		Ref. 1599 is a rectangular Prince. Alexander Barter describes the sliding-cover Sporting Prince and Sporting Princess as purse watches in ''The Watch: A Twentieth-Century Style History'' (Prestel, 2019).

	Hans Wilsdorf's Swiss patent CH 146038 A, filed on 26 December 1929 and published on 31 March 1931, shows two case parts that slide relative to one another. The watch sits in a spring-loaded frame that pivots open. Patent CH 151577 A, filed on 17 March 1930 and published on 15 December 1931, gives further detail on the arrangement. Christie's and Antiquorum use the name Sporting Prince for covered examples ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4785370 Christie's lot 101]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-51-583 Antiquorum lot 583]; [https://patents.google.com/patent/CH146038A/en CH 146038 A]; [https://patents.google.com/patent/CH151577A/en CH 151577 A]).		Hans Wilsdorf's Swiss patent CH 146038 A, filed on 26 December 1929 and published on 31 March 1931, shows two case parts that slide relative to one another. The watch sits in a spring-loaded frame that pivots open. Patent CH 151577 A, filed on 17 March 1930 and published on 15 December 1931, gives further detail on the arrangement. Christie's and Antiquorum use the name Sporting Prince for covered examples ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4785370 Christie's lot 101]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-51-583 Antiquorum lot 583]; [https://patents.google.com/patent/CH146038A/en CH 146038 A]; [https://patents.google.com/patent/CH151577A/en CH 151577 A]).
Line 50:		Line 50:
	==Production outline==		==Production outline==

	Christie's ~~estimates~~ its 1879/1599 at circa 1931 and reports a Glasgow import mark from that year ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4785370 lot 101]). Antiquorum dates two 1883/1599 ~~listings~~ to 1932 and another to the 1930s. ~~Their~~ descriptions ~~are close enough that the three~~ sales ~~may include the same~~ watch ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-36-510 lot 510]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-74-138 lot 138]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1883-1599-lot-295-271 lot 271]). Antiquorum~~'s 1994 listing~~ for ~~ref.~~ 1872-1599 records a Bienne chronometry certificate dated 28 August 1935 ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-127-97 lot 97]). The certificate dates the rating, not the watch or the reference~~'s production span~~.		Christie's dates its 1879/1599 to circa 1931 and reports a Glasgow import mark from that year ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4785370 lot 101]). Antiquorum dates two 1883/1599 examples to 1932 and another to the 1930s. Similar descriptions suggest these could be repeat sales of one watch ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-36-510 lot 510]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-74-138 lot 138]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1883-1599-lot-295-271 lot 271]). The 1994 Antiquorum entry for 1872-1599 records a Bienne chronometry certificate dated 28 August 1935 ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-127-97 lot 97]). The certificate dates the rating; it does not date the watch or the reference.

	==Movement notes==		==Movement notes==

	Antiquorum~~'s 1994~~ 1872-1599 ~~has~~ a 7-line, 18-jewel Ultra Prima. ~~The~~ Extra Prima ~~appears in the other covered-watch records~~: ~~15 jewels in~~ Antiquorum's 2004 ref. 1599 and Christie's 1879/1599, ~~and 17 jewels in~~ Watches of Knightsbridge's ~~ref.~~ 1599 and Antiquorum's 1883/1599 ~~listings~~. Christie's says its movement was timed in six positions ([https://auctions.watchesofknightsbridge.com/past-auctions/srwatc10068/lot-details/dbee78a9-2065-4330-8168-b3910171c714 Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1883-1599-lot-295-271 Antiquorum, lot 271]). ~~These catalogues show different examples; they do not~~ date a change between ~~grades~~.		The 1994 Antiquorum lot pairs 1872-1599 with a 7-line, 18-jewel Ultra Prima. Other covered examples have Extra Prima movements: Antiquorum's 2004 ref. 1599 and Christie's 1879/1599 are listed as 15-jewel, while Watches of Knightsbridge's 1599 and Antiquorum's 1883/1599 are listed as 17-jewel. Christie's says its movement was timed in six positions ([https://auctions.watchesofknightsbridge.com/past-auctions/srwatc10068/lot-details/dbee78a9-2065-4330-8168-b3910171c714 Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1883-1599-lot-295-271 Antiquorum, lot 271]). The lots document both grades, but give no date for a change between them.

	Bonhams lists an 18-jewel manual movement in its open-face ref. 1599 listing ([https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25955/lot/35/rolex-a-fine-18k-gold-manual-wind-rectangular-wristwatch-prince-ref-1599-circa-1930/ lot 35, 2020]). The catalogue masks its number. The [[Reference:Movements\|Prince movement guide]] covers the Extra Prima and Ultra Prima grades named in these lots.		Bonhams lists an 18-jewel manual movement in its open-face ref. 1599 listing ([https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25955/lot/35/rolex-a-fine-18k-gold-manual-wind-rectangular-wristwatch-prince-ref-1599-circa-1930/ lot 35, 2020]). The catalogue masks its number. The [[Reference:Movements\|Prince movement guide]] covers the Extra Prima and Ultra Prima grades named in these lots.
Line 60:		Line 60:
	==Dial map==		==Dial map==

	The covered ~~examples are described with~~ Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds. Antiquorum ~~notes~~ a two-tone ~~gold~~ dial with geometric decoration; Christie's ~~describes a~~ silver multi-tone ~~dial~~. Watches of Knightsbridge ~~says its example's~~ dial ~~was refinished, so that watch cannot establish an~~ original finish.		The covered watches have Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds. Antiquorum describes a gold two-tone dial with geometric decoration. Christie's calls its dial silver and multi-tone. Watches of Knightsbridge reports a refinished dial; the original finish is unknown.

	[[File:Ref 1599 dial.webp\|thumb\|right\|240px\|Dial and open cover on the Watches of Knightsbridge example, lot 29 (2025). Photo: Watches of Knightsbridge.]]		[[File:Ref 1599 dial.webp\|thumb\|right\|240px\|Dial and open cover on the Watches of Knightsbridge example, lot 29 (2025). Photo: Watches of Knightsbridge.]]
Line 66:		Line 66:
	==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes==		==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes==

	Antiquorum ~~describes~~ a 9 ct gold outer case and steel inner case on its 1872-1599. Its 2004 ref. 1599 ~~has a~~ 9K pink-gold ~~case~~ with wire lugs. Watches of Knightsbridge describes an 18K gold cover over stainless steel and ~~reports matching~~ inner and outer numbers. Christie's ~~records~~ an 18K engine-turned outer case ~~and~~ a 40 mm length~~; its catalogue calls the~~ inner case ~~“metal”~~ ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-127-97 Antiquorum, lot 97]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-51-583 Antiquorum, lot 583]; [https://auctions.watchesofknightsbridge.com/past-auctions/srwatc10068/lot-details/dbee78a9-2065-4330-8168-b3910171c714 Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4785370 Christie's, lot 101]).		Antiquorum records a 9 ct gold outer case and steel inner case on its 1872-1599. Its 2004 ref. 1599 is 9K pink gold with wire lugs. Watches of Knightsbridge describes an 18K gold cover over stainless steel and says the inner and outer numbers match. Christie's gives an 18K engine-turned outer case, a 40 mm length, and a “metal” inner case ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-127-97 Antiquorum, lot 97]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-51-583 Antiquorum, lot 583]; [https://auctions.watchesofknightsbridge.com/past-auctions/srwatc10068/lot-details/dbee78a9-2065-4330-8168-b3910171c714 Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4785370 Christie's, lot 101]).

	Christie's reports patent stamps for Britain, the United States, France, and Italy. The case lid carries a monogram and a star-and-crescent emblem.		Christie's reports patent stamps for Britain, the United States, France, and Italy. The case lid carries a monogram and a star-and-crescent emblem.
Line 81:		Line 81:
	==Open-face listing==		==Open-face listing==

	Bonhams calls its 2020 open-face 18K gold Prince ref. 1599. Dorotheum's 2017 open-face Prince has case number 1599 and movement T57744. The ~~photographs could~~ show the same watch ~~at a repeat sale, but~~ Bonhams masks its movement number and neither listing shows the caseback.		Bonhams calls its 2020 open-face 18K gold Prince ref. 1599. Dorotheum's 2017 open-face Prince has case number 1599 and movement T57744. The two entries may show the same watch; the case style and dial look similar. Bonhams masks its movement number, and neither listing shows the caseback, so the match remains unconfirmed.

	==Historical market and auction record==		==Historical market and auction record==

Admin: Copy edit: clarify ref. 1599 catalogue evidence

2026-10-28T11:01:54Z

Copy edit: clarify ref. 1599 catalogue evidence

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:01, 28 October 2026
Line 17:		Line 17:
	</div>		</div>

	~~Rolex auction catalogues describe~~ covered Sporting Princes ~~as 1599, sometimes paired~~ with 1872, 1879 or 1883. Bonhams ~~also~~ calls an open-face Prince ref. 1599; Dorotheum records 1599 ~~inside~~ a similar ~~case~~. The ~~catalogues leave~~ the ~~relationship between~~ these ~~numbers unclear~~.		Catalogues use ref. 1599 for covered Sporting Princes and also pair it with 1872, 1879 or 1883. Bonhams calls an open-face Prince ref. 1599; Dorotheum records case no. 1599 on a similar watch. The records do not show whether Rolex used the number for all these watches.

	==Core facts==		==Core facts==
Line 42:		Line 42:
	==Where it sits in the line==		==Where it sits in the line==

	Ref. 1599 is a rectangular Prince. ~~Alexander Barter's~~ ''The Watch: A Twentieth-Century Style History'' (Prestel, 2019) describes the Sporting Prince and Sporting Princess as ~~sliding-cover~~ purse watches~~; his~~ 1931 example is signed Texina.		Ref. 1599 is a rectangular Prince. In ''The Watch: A Twentieth-Century Style History'' (Prestel, 2019), Alexander Barter describes the Sporting Prince and Sporting Princess as purse watches with sliding covers. His 1931 example is signed Texina.

	Swiss patent CH 146038 A, filed ~~by Hans Wilsdorf~~ on 26 December 1929 and published on 31 March 1931, shows a watch in a spring-loaded frame ~~inside two case parts~~ that ~~slide and pivot~~. Patent CH 151577 A, filed on 17 March 1930 and published on 15 December 1931, ~~adds~~ detail to the ~~slide-and-hinge~~ arrangement. Christie's and Antiquorum ~~catalogue their~~ covered examples ~~as Sporting Princes~~ ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4785370 Christie's lot 101]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-51-583 Antiquorum lot 583]; [https://patents.google.com/patent/CH146038A/en CH 146038 A]; [https://patents.google.com/patent/CH151577A/en CH 151577 A]).		Hans Wilsdorf's Swiss patent CH 146038 A, filed on 26 December 1929 and published on 31 March 1931, shows two case parts that slide relative to one another. The watch sits in a spring-loaded frame that pivots open. Patent CH 151577 A, filed on 17 March 1930 and published on 15 December 1931, gives further detail on the arrangement. Christie's and Antiquorum use the name Sporting Prince for covered examples ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4785370 Christie's lot 101]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-51-583 Antiquorum lot 583]; [https://patents.google.com/patent/CH146038A/en CH 146038 A]; [https://patents.google.com/patent/CH151577A/en CH 151577 A]).

	Mikrolisk's trademark index records Sporting Prince under Hans Wilsdorf / Rolex Watch Co. SA on 8 March 1930.		Mikrolisk's trademark index records Sporting Prince under Hans Wilsdorf / Rolex Watch Co. SA on 8 March 1930.
Line 50:		Line 50:
	==Production outline==		==Production outline==

	Christie's ~~dates~~ its ~~combined~~ 1879/1599 ~~watch to~~ circa 1931 and reports a Glasgow import mark ~~dated the same~~ year ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4785370 lot 101]). Antiquorum dates two 1883/1599 listings to 1932 and ~~a third~~ to the 1930s. Their descriptions are ~~so similar~~ that the three sales may include ~~repeat listings of one~~ watch ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-36-510 lot 510]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-74-138 lot 138]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1883-1599-lot-295-271 lot 271]). Antiquorum's 1994 ~~lot~~ records a Bienne chronometry certificate dated 28 August 1935 ~~on a watch catalogued as 1872-1599~~ ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-127-97 lot 97]). The ~~Glasgow mark and Bienne~~ certificate ~~date individual records; neither establishes how long ref. 1599 was produced~~.		Christie's estimates its 1879/1599 at circa 1931 and reports a Glasgow import mark from that year ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4785370 lot 101]). Antiquorum dates two 1883/1599 listings to 1932 and another to the 1930s. Their descriptions are close enough that the three sales may include the same watch ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-36-510 lot 510]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-74-138 lot 138]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1883-1599-lot-295-271 lot 271]). Antiquorum's 1994 listing for ref. 1872-1599 records a Bienne chronometry certificate dated 28 August 1935 ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-127-97 lot 97]). The certificate dates the rating, not the watch or the reference's production span.

	==Movement notes==		==Movement notes==

	Antiquorum's 1994 ~~lot 97, catalogued as~~ 1872-1599~~, lists~~ a 7-line, 18-jewel Ultra Prima. ~~Its~~ 2004 ref. 1599 ~~lot lists a 7½-line, 15-jewel Extra Prima;~~ Christie's 1879/1599 ~~also has a 15-jewel Extra Prima timed~~ in ~~six positions.~~ Watches of Knightsbridge's ref. 1599 and Antiquorum's 1883/1599 listings ~~specify 17-jewel Extra Prima movements~~ ([https://auctions.watchesofknightsbridge.com/past-auctions/srwatc10068/lot-details/dbee78a9-2065-4330-8168-b3910171c714 Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1883-1599-lot-295-271 Antiquorum, lot 271]). ~~The lots~~ show ~~these grades on individual watches but~~ do not ~~establish when Rolex changed~~ between ~~them~~.		Antiquorum's 1994 1872-1599 has a 7-line, 18-jewel Ultra Prima. The Extra Prima appears in the other covered-watch records: 15 jewels in Antiquorum's 2004 ref. 1599 and Christie's 1879/1599, and 17 jewels in Watches of Knightsbridge's ref. 1599 and Antiquorum's 1883/1599 listings. Christie's says its movement was timed in six positions ([https://auctions.watchesofknightsbridge.com/past-auctions/srwatc10068/lot-details/dbee78a9-2065-4330-8168-b3910171c714 Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1883-1599-lot-295-271 Antiquorum, lot 271]). These catalogues show different examples; they do not date a change between grades.

	Bonhams lists an 18-jewel manual movement in its open-face ref. 1599 listing ([https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25955/lot/35/rolex-a-fine-18k-gold-manual-wind-rectangular-wristwatch-prince-ref-1599-circa-1930/ lot 35, 2020]). The catalogue masks its number. The [[Reference:Movements\|Prince movement guide]] covers the Extra Prima and Ultra Prima grades named in these lots.		Bonhams lists an 18-jewel manual movement in its open-face ref. 1599 listing ([https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25955/lot/35/rolex-a-fine-18k-gold-manual-wind-rectangular-wristwatch-prince-ref-1599-circa-1930/ lot 35, 2020]). The catalogue masks its number. The [[Reference:Movements\|Prince movement guide]] covers the Extra Prima and Ultra Prima grades named in these lots.
Line 60:		Line 60:
	==Dial map==		==Dial map==

	The covered examples are ~~catalogued~~ with Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds. Antiquorum ~~describes~~ a two-tone gold dial with geometric ~~designs~~; Christie's describes a silver multi-tone dial. Watches of Knightsbridge ~~notes that~~ its dial was refinished, so it cannot establish an original ~~dial~~ finish.		The covered examples are described with Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds. Antiquorum notes a two-tone gold dial with geometric decoration; Christie's describes a silver multi-tone dial. Watches of Knightsbridge says its example's dial was refinished, so that watch cannot establish an original finish.

	[[File:Ref 1599 dial.webp\|thumb\|right\|240px\|Dial and open cover on the Watches of Knightsbridge example, lot 29 (2025). Photo: Watches of Knightsbridge.]]		[[File:Ref 1599 dial.webp\|thumb\|right\|240px\|Dial and open cover on the Watches of Knightsbridge example, lot 29 (2025). Photo: Watches of Knightsbridge.]]
Line 66:		Line 66:
	==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes==		==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes==

	Antiquorum~~'s 1872-1599 lot~~ describes a 9 ct gold outer case and steel inner case. Its 2004 ref. 1599 ~~lot~~ has a 9K pink-gold case ~~and~~ wire lugs. Watches of Knightsbridge describes an 18K ~~outer case, a~~ stainless-steel inner ~~case,~~ and ~~matching~~ numbers. Christie's records an 18K engine-turned outer case~~, an inner metal case,~~ and a 40 mm length ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-127-97 Antiquorum, lot 97]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-51-583 Antiquorum, lot 583]; [https://auctions.watchesofknightsbridge.com/past-auctions/srwatc10068/lot-details/dbee78a9-2065-4330-8168-b3910171c714 Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4785370 Christie's, lot 101]).		Antiquorum describes a 9 ct gold outer case and steel inner case on its 1872-1599. Its 2004 ref. 1599 has a 9K pink-gold case with wire lugs. Watches of Knightsbridge describes an 18K gold cover over stainless steel and reports matching inner and outer numbers. Christie's records an 18K engine-turned outer case and a 40 mm length; its catalogue calls the inner case “metal” ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-127-97 Antiquorum, lot 97]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-51-583 Antiquorum, lot 583]; [https://auctions.watchesofknightsbridge.com/past-auctions/srwatc10068/lot-details/dbee78a9-2065-4330-8168-b3910171c714 Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4785370 Christie's, lot 101]).

	Christie's reports patent stamps for Britain, the United States, France, and Italy. The case lid carries a monogram and a star-and-crescent emblem.		Christie's reports patent stamps for Britain, the United States, France, and Italy. The case lid carries a monogram and a star-and-crescent emblem.
Line 81:		Line 81:
	==Open-face listing==		==Open-face listing==

	Bonhams ~~catalogued an~~ open-face 18K gold Prince as ref. 1599 ~~in 2020~~. Dorotheum's 2017 open-face Prince has case number 1599 and movement T57744. The ~~two~~ photographs ~~suggest~~ a repeat ~~offering~~, but Bonhams masks ~~the~~ movement number and neither listing shows the caseback.		Bonhams calls its 2020 open-face 18K gold Prince ref. 1599. Dorotheum's 2017 open-face Prince has case number 1599 and movement T57744. The photographs could show the same watch at a repeat sale, but Bonhams masks its movement number and neither listing shows the caseback.

	==Historical market and auction record==		==Historical market and auction record==

Admin: Create researched Prince ref. 1599 record

2026-10-28T10:53:41Z

Create researched Prince ref. 1599 record

New page

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Prince ref. 1599}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Prince ref. 1599 {{!}} Rolexopedia
|description=Auction records list the covered Sporting Prince as 1599 and with paired case numbers. Bonhams also catalogued an open-face Prince as ref. 1599.
|keywords=Rolex Prince 1599, Sporting Prince, Rolex hunter case, Extra Prima
|image=Ref 1599 hero.webp
|image_alt=Rolex Sporting Prince with its protective cover open
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

<small>[[Reference:prince|Prince]] → '''1599'''</small>

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Ref 1599 hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Rolex Sporting Prince with its protective cover open|Ref. 1599, Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29 (2025). Photo: Watches of Knightsbridge.]]
</div>

Rolex auction catalogues describe covered Sporting Princes as 1599, sometimes paired with 1872, 1879 or 1883. Bonhams also calls an open-face Prince ref. 1599; Dorotheum records 1599 inside a similar case. The catalogues leave the relationship between these numbers unclear.

==Core facts==

{| class="wikitable"
! Detail !! Documented record
|-
| Reference notation
| Antiquorum and Watches of Knightsbridge catalogue covered Sporting Princes as 1599. Antiquorum also uses 1872-1599 and 1883/1599; Christie's uses 1879/1599. Bonhams labels an open-face Prince as 1599, while Dorotheum records case no. 1599 on a similar watch
|-
| Family and branch
| Prince; usually catalogued as Sporting Prince with a protective hunter case
|-
| Movement
| Covered-case listings describe 15- or 17-jewel Extra Prima movements; Antiquorum's 1872-1599 lot lists an 18-jewel Ultra Prima. Bonhams lists an 18-jewel manual movement for its open-face watch. No lot identifies a caliber number
|-
| Case
| Antiquorum's 1872-1599 lot has a 9 ct gold outer case and steel inner case; its 2004 ref. 1599 is catalogued in 9K pink gold. Christie's 1879/1599 and Watches of Knightsbridge's 1599 are catalogued in 18K gold; the latter specifies a stainless-steel inner case, while Christie's says only "metal inner case"
|-
| Dial
| Multi-tone or two-tone layouts with Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds in covered-case records
|}

==Where it sits in the line==

Ref. 1599 is a rectangular Prince. Alexander Barter's ''The Watch: A Twentieth-Century Style History'' (Prestel, 2019) describes the Sporting Prince and Sporting Princess as sliding-cover purse watches; his 1931 example is signed Texina.

Swiss patent CH 146038 A, filed by Hans Wilsdorf on 26 December 1929 and published on 31 March 1931, shows a watch in a spring-loaded frame inside two case parts that slide and pivot. Patent CH 151577 A, filed on 17 March 1930 and published on 15 December 1931, adds detail to the slide-and-hinge arrangement. Christie's and Antiquorum catalogue their covered examples as Sporting Princes ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4785370 Christie's lot 101]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-51-583 Antiquorum lot 583]; [https://patents.google.com/patent/CH146038A/en CH 146038 A]; [https://patents.google.com/patent/CH151577A/en CH 151577 A]).

Mikrolisk's trademark index records Sporting Prince under Hans Wilsdorf / Rolex Watch Co. SA on 8 March 1930.

==Production outline==

Christie's dates its combined 1879/1599 watch to circa 1931 and reports a Glasgow import mark dated the same year ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4785370 lot 101]). Antiquorum dates two 1883/1599 listings to 1932 and a third to the 1930s. Their descriptions are so similar that the three sales may include repeat listings of one watch ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-36-510 lot 510]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-74-138 lot 138]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1883-1599-lot-295-271 lot 271]). Antiquorum's 1994 lot records a Bienne chronometry certificate dated 28 August 1935 on a watch catalogued as 1872-1599 ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-127-97 lot 97]). The Glasgow mark and Bienne certificate date individual records; neither establishes how long ref. 1599 was produced.

==Movement notes==

Antiquorum's 1994 lot 97, catalogued as 1872-1599, lists a 7-line, 18-jewel Ultra Prima. Its 2004 ref. 1599 lot lists a 7½-line, 15-jewel Extra Prima; Christie's 1879/1599 also has a 15-jewel Extra Prima timed in six positions. Watches of Knightsbridge's ref. 1599 and Antiquorum's 1883/1599 listings specify 17-jewel Extra Prima movements ([https://auctions.watchesofknightsbridge.com/past-auctions/srwatc10068/lot-details/dbee78a9-2065-4330-8168-b3910171c714 Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1883-1599-lot-295-271 Antiquorum, lot 271]). The lots show these grades on individual watches but do not establish when Rolex changed between them.

Bonhams lists an 18-jewel manual movement in its open-face ref. 1599 listing ([https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25955/lot/35/rolex-a-fine-18k-gold-manual-wind-rectangular-wristwatch-prince-ref-1599-circa-1930/ lot 35, 2020]). The catalogue masks its number. The [[Reference:Movements|Prince movement guide]] covers the Extra Prima and Ultra Prima grades named in these lots.

==Dial map==

The covered examples are catalogued with Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds. Antiquorum describes a two-tone gold dial with geometric designs; Christie's describes a silver multi-tone dial. Watches of Knightsbridge notes that its dial was refinished, so it cannot establish an original dial finish.

[[File:Ref 1599 dial.webp|thumb|right|240px|Dial and open cover on the Watches of Knightsbridge example, lot 29 (2025). Photo: Watches of Knightsbridge.]]

==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes==

Antiquorum's 1872-1599 lot describes a 9 ct gold outer case and steel inner case. Its 2004 ref. 1599 lot has a 9K pink-gold case and wire lugs. Watches of Knightsbridge describes an 18K outer case, a stainless-steel inner case, and matching numbers. Christie's records an 18K engine-turned outer case, an inner metal case, and a 40 mm length ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-127-97 Antiquorum, lot 97]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-51-583 Antiquorum, lot 583]; [https://auctions.watchesofknightsbridge.com/past-auctions/srwatc10068/lot-details/dbee78a9-2065-4330-8168-b3910171c714 Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4785370 Christie's, lot 101]).

Christie's reports patent stamps for Britain, the United States, France, and Italy. The case lid carries a monogram and a star-and-crescent emblem.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 1599 case interior.webp|Open hunter case and inner metal body. Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29 (2025). Photo: Watches of Knightsbridge.
File:Ref 1599 case reverse.webp|Reverse of the outer case. Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29 (2025). Photo: Watches of Knightsbridge.
</gallery>

==Bracelets, clasps, and packaging==

The Watches of Knightsbridge example is on a leather strap. Christie's lists an 18K Rolex buckle with its watch.

==Open-face listing==

Bonhams catalogued an open-face 18K gold Prince as ref. 1599 in 2020. Dorotheum's 2017 open-face Prince has case number 1599 and movement T57744. The two photographs suggest a repeat offering, but Bonhams masks the movement number and neither listing shows the caseback.

==Historical market and auction record==

{| class="wikitable"
! Sale date !! House and lot !! Catalogue notation !! Record
|-
| 10 April 1994
| Antiquorum, lot 97
| 1872-1599
| 9 ct gold outer case, steel inner case; 18-jewel Ultra Prima; Bienne chronometry certificate dated 1935
|-
| 12 April 2003; 24 October 2004; 8 November 2015
| Antiquorum, lots 510, 138, and 271
| 1883/1599
| Sporting Prince with gold outer cover and steel inner body
|-
| 24 April 2004
| Antiquorum, lot 583
| 1599
| 9K pink-gold covered case; 7½-line, 15-jewel Extra Prima; 25 × 41 mm; catalogued to the 1930s
|-
| 12 October 2006
| Christie's New York, lot 101
| 1879/1599
| 18K gold hunter case; 15-jewel Extra Prima; Glasgow import mark reported for 1931
|-
| 20 January 2017
| Dorotheum, lot 145-041277/0001
| Case no. 1599
| Open-face 750-gold Prince; movement T57744
|-
| 21 July 2020
| Bonhams, lot 35
| 1599 (catalogued as reference)
| Open-face 18K gold Prince; 18-jewel manual movement T57***
|-
| 6 December 2025
| Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29
| 1599
| 18K gold and stainless-steel full-hunter case; 17-jewel Extra Prima; inner and outer numbers reported to match
|}

== Gallery ==

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 1599 hero.webp|Covered Sporting Prince, front view. Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29 (2025). Photo: Watches of Knightsbridge.
File:Ref 1599 dial.webp|Dial and open cover. Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29 (2025). Photo: Watches of Knightsbridge.
File:Ref 1599 case interior.webp|Interior of the protective case. Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29 (2025). Photo: Watches of Knightsbridge.
File:Ref 1599 case reverse.webp|Reverse of the outer case. Watches of Knightsbridge, lot 29 (2025). Photo: Watches of Knightsbridge.
</gallery>

== Sources ==

* [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-51-583 "Antiquorum, Exceptional Horological Sale, lot 583 — Sporting Prince ref. 1599", Antiquorum, 2004-04-24]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-127-97 "Antiquorum, Important Watches, Wristwatches and Clocks, lot 97 — Prince Savonnette ref. 1872-1599", Antiquorum, 1994-04-10]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-36-510 "Antiquorum, Collector's Pocket Watches, Wristwatches, Clocks, lot 510 — Sporting Prince ref. 1883/1599", Antiquorum, 2003-04-12]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-74-138 "Antiquorum, Timeless Beauty, lot 138 — Sporting Prince ref. 1883/1599", Antiquorum, 2004-10-24]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1883-1599-lot-295-271 "Antiquorum, Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces, lot 271 — Sporting Prince ref. 1883/1599", Antiquorum, 2015-11-08]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25955/lot/35/rolex-a-fine-18k-gold-manual-wind-rectangular-wristwatch-prince-ref-1599-circa-1930/ "Bonhams, Watches and Wristwatches, lot 35 — Prince ref. 1599", Bonhams, 2020-07-21]
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/cz/l/823808/ "Dorotheum, Klenoty, lot 145-041277/0001 — Rolex Prince, case no. 1599", Dorotheum, 2017-01-20]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4785370 "Christie's, Important Watches and Wristwatches, lot 101 — Sporting Prince ref. 1879/1599", Christie's, 2006-10-12]
* [https://auctions.watchesofknightsbridge.com/past-auctions/srwatc10068/lot-details/dbee78a9-2065-4330-8168-b3910171c714 "Watches of Knightsbridge, Modern, Vintage & Military Timepieces, lot 29 — Sporting Prince ref. 1599", Watches of Knightsbridge, 2025-12-06]
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/CH146038A/en Hans Wilsdorf, "Swiss patent CH 146038 A — Timepiece", Swiss patent publication, digitized by Google Patents, 1931-03-31]
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/CH151577A/en Hans Wilsdorf, "Swiss patent CH 151577 A — Timepiece, addition to CH 146038", Swiss patent publication, digitized by Google Patents, 1931-12-15]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1559-sporting-prince-retailed-by-alex-clark-lot-353-49 "Antiquorum Monaco, 19 July 2022, lot 49 — Sporting Prince ref. 1559", Antiquorum, 2022-07-19]
* [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/3874 "Private Eyes / WatchNet, archived listing A-3143 — Sporting Prince ref. 1560 NS", Private Eyes Co. / WatchNet]
* [https://static.booktopia.com.au/pdf/9783791385068-1.pdf ''The Watch: A Twentieth-Century Style History'' — Alexander Barter, Prestel, 2019]
* [https://mikrolisk.de/show.php?id=311&searchMode=exact&site=280&suchwort=A.M. "Mikrolisk horological trademark index — Sporting Prince", Mikrolisk]

[[Category:Prince]]