Reference:3059 - Revision history

Admin: Clarify sourced catalogue labels

2026-10-20T19:14:15Z

Clarify sourced catalogue labels

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:14, 20 October 2026
Line 51:		Line 51:
	==Where it sits in the line==		==Where it sits in the line==

	Prince is the most common family label in the sale records~~, including~~ Antiquorum’s “Prince Elegant Curvex” ~~wording.~~ Christie's calls a 3059 “Precision,” and Sotheby’s and Antiquorum also use “Super Precision.” The Vintage Rolex Field Manual lists 3059 as a rectangular, red-gold Precision. ~~“Curvex” appears as a catalogue~~ and ~~collector label; these records do not establish either term as~~ the ~~sole~~ factory model ~~name~~. [https://~~www~~.~~thebeautifulwatch~~.~~com~~/~~products~~/rolex-~~ref~~-~~3059~~-~~curvex-from-1930s The Beautiful Watch listing~~] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-~~108~~-~~123~~ Antiquorum ~~2006~~, lot ~~123~~] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-rare-9ct-gold-rectangular-curved-3880884/ Christie's 2002, lot 130] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2015/watches-l15053.html?locale=zh-Hant&p=11 Sotheby's 2015, lot 129] [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, PDF p. 43]		Prince is the most common family label in the sale records. Antiquorum’s 2008 title uses “Prince Elegant Curvex”; Christie's calls a 3059 “Precision,” and Sotheby’s and Antiquorum also use “Super Precision.” The Vintage Rolex Field Manual lists 3059 as a rectangular, red-gold Precision. Catalogue labels vary, and the available evidence leaves the factory model designation unsettled. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-123 Antiquorum 2006, lot 123] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-687 Antiquorum 2008, lot 687] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-rare-9ct-gold-rectangular-curved-3880884/ Christie's 2002, lot 130] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2015/watches-l15053.html?locale=zh-Hant&p=11 Sotheby's 2015, lot 129] [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, PDF p. 43]

	==Production outline==		==Production outline==

Admin: Tighten model-name evidence to catalogues and reference book

2026-10-20T19:12:25Z

Tighten model-name evidence to catalogues and reference book

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:12, 20 October 2026
Line 51:		Line 51:
	==Where it sits in the line==		==Where it sits in the line==

	Prince is the most common family label in the sale records, including Antiquorum’s “Prince Elegant Curvex” wording. Christie's calls a 3059 “Precision,” and Sotheby’s and Antiquorum also use “Super Precision.” The Vintage Rolex Field Manual lists 3059 as a rectangular, red-gold Precision~~. The Beautiful Watch dealer listing says its example is “not strictly a Prince,” while several auction catalogues use Prince for ref. 3059~~. “Curvex” appears as a catalogue and collector label; these records do not establish either term as the sole factory model name. [https://www.thebeautifulwatch.com/products/rolex-ref-3059-curvex-from-1930s The Beautiful Watch listing] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-123 Antiquorum 2006, lot 123] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-rare-9ct-gold-rectangular-curved-3880884/ Christie's 2002, lot 130] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2015/watches-l15053.html?locale=zh-Hant&p=11 Sotheby's 2015, lot 129] [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, PDF p. 43]		Prince is the most common family label in the sale records, including Antiquorum’s “Prince Elegant Curvex” wording. Christie's calls a 3059 “Precision,” and Sotheby’s and Antiquorum also use “Super Precision.” The Vintage Rolex Field Manual lists 3059 as a rectangular, red-gold Precision. “Curvex” appears as a catalogue and collector label; these records do not establish either term as the sole factory model name. [https://www.thebeautifulwatch.com/products/rolex-ref-3059-curvex-from-1930s The Beautiful Watch listing] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-123 Antiquorum 2006, lot 123] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-rare-9ct-gold-rectangular-curved-3880884/ Christie's 2002, lot 130] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2015/watches-l15053.html?locale=zh-Hant&p=11 Sotheby's 2015, lot 129] [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, PDF p. 43]

	==Production outline==		==Production outline==

Admin: Remove dealer attribution from body prose

2026-10-20T19:11:45Z

Remove dealer attribution from body prose

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:11, 20 October 2026
Line 55:		Line 55:
	==Production outline==		==Production outline==

	The catalogued estimates include circa 1930 for case 36391 and circa 1935–40 for case 36448. Christie's, Antiquorum and Sotheby's report Glasgow marks dated 1937–38 on identified cases. Bonhams also gives a 1937 mark for a Fortnum & Mason example, but masks its serial as 363**, which may overlap case 36391. An archived 2010 Bonhams listing identifies case 36283 and a 1938 mark. These catalogue estimates and case marks do not establish production endpoints. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817508 Christie's 2000, lot 703] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203847 Christie's 1997, lot 26] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-687 Antiquorum 2008, lot 687] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2015/watches-l15053.html?locale=zh-Hant&p=11 Sotheby's 2015, lot 129] [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F28%2FS-22785-0-1.pdf Bonhams 2015, lot 95] [https://www.collectorsquare.com/es/relojes/rolex/prince/rolex-3059/lpi ~~Collector Square,~~ archived Bonhams 2010 lot 162]		The catalogued estimates include circa 1930 for case 36391 and circa 1935–40 for case 36448. Christie's, Antiquorum and Sotheby's report Glasgow marks dated 1937–38 on identified cases. Bonhams also gives a 1937 mark for a Fortnum & Mason example, but masks its serial as 363**, which may overlap case 36391. An archived 2010 Bonhams listing identifies case 36283 and a 1938 mark. These catalogue estimates and case marks do not establish production endpoints. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817508 Christie's 2000, lot 703] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203847 Christie's 1997, lot 26] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-687 Antiquorum 2008, lot 687] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2015/watches-l15053.html?locale=zh-Hant&p=11 Sotheby's 2015, lot 129] [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F28%2FS-22785-0-1.pdf Bonhams 2015, lot 95] [https://www.collectorsquare.com/es/relojes/rolex/prince/rolex-3059/lpi archived Bonhams 2010 lot 162 listing]

	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"

Admin: Clarify archived Bonhams attribution

2026-10-20T19:11:21Z

Clarify archived Bonhams attribution

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:11, 20 October 2026
Line 55:		Line 55:
	==Production outline==		==Production outline==

	The catalogued estimates include circa 1930 for case 36391 and circa 1935–40 for case 36448. Christie's, Antiquorum and Sotheby's report Glasgow marks dated 1937–38 on identified cases. Bonhams also gives a 1937 mark for a Fortnum & Mason example, but masks its serial as 363**, which may overlap case 36391. ~~Collector Square's~~ archived Bonhams ~~2010 record~~ identifies case 36283 and a 1938 mark. These catalogue estimates and case marks do not establish production endpoints. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817508 Christie's 2000, lot 703] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203847 Christie's 1997, lot 26] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-687 Antiquorum 2008, lot 687] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2015/watches-l15053.html?locale=zh-Hant&p=11 Sotheby's 2015, lot 129] [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F28%2FS-22785-0-1.pdf Bonhams 2015, lot 95] [https://www.collectorsquare.com/es/relojes/rolex/prince/rolex-3059/lpi Collector Square, archived Bonhams 2010 lot 162]		The catalogued estimates include circa 1930 for case 36391 and circa 1935–40 for case 36448. Christie's, Antiquorum and Sotheby's report Glasgow marks dated 1937–38 on identified cases. Bonhams also gives a 1937 mark for a Fortnum & Mason example, but masks its serial as 363**, which may overlap case 36391. An archived 2010 Bonhams listing identifies case 36283 and a 1938 mark. These catalogue estimates and case marks do not establish production endpoints. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817508 Christie's 2000, lot 703] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203847 Christie's 1997, lot 26] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-687 Antiquorum 2008, lot 687] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2015/watches-l15053.html?locale=zh-Hant&p=11 Sotheby's 2015, lot 129] [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F28%2FS-22785-0-1.pdf Bonhams 2015, lot 95] [https://www.collectorsquare.com/es/relojes/rolex/prince/rolex-3059/lpi Collector Square, archived Bonhams 2010 lot 162]

	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
Line 68:		Line 68:
	\| 18 ct gold; 1930s; Glasgow mark dated 1937; Ultra Prima movement.		\| 18 ct gold; 1930s; Glasgow mark dated 1937; Ultra Prima movement.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Bonhams, London 2010, lot 162 (archived ~~by Collector Square~~)		\| Bonhams, London 2010, lot 162 (archived listing)
	\| 36283		\| 36283
	\| 9 ct gold; Glasgow import mark dated 1938; 18-jewel Ultra Prima movement.		\| 9 ct gold; Glasgow import mark dated 1938; 18-jewel Ultra Prima movement.

Admin: Add researched reference 3059 article

2026-10-20T19:10:20Z

Add researched reference 3059 article

New page

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Reference 3059}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Reference 3059 — Curved Rectangular Dress Watch | Rolexopedia
|description=What catalogues and surviving examples show about Rolex ref. 3059: its curved gold case, movement descriptions, dial records and disputed model name.
|keywords=Rolex 3059, Rolex Prince 3059, Rolex Precision 3059, vintage Rolex rectangular watch
|image=Ref 3059 hero.webp
|image_alt=Rolex ref. 3059 case 36421, a curved pink-gold rectangular watch with Roman-numeral dial
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

<small>[[Reference:prince|Prince and shaped watches]] → '''3059'''</small>

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Ref 3059 hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Rolex ref. 3059 case 36421, curved pink-gold case and Roman-numeral dial|Case 36421, Antiquorum Geneva, 2006, lot 123. The catalogue text says Arabic numerals; the photograph shows Roman numerals. Photo: Antiquorum.]]
</div>

Auction catalogues describe ref. 3059 as a manually wound, curved rectangular dress watch. Individual estimates range from circa 1930 to circa 1935–40. Records list 9 ct and 18 ct gold cases, small seconds, and movements marked Ultra Prima or Superbalance. They use several model labels: Prince, Prince Elegant Curvex, Precision, and Super Precision. The evidence does not settle one factory name for the reference.

==Core facts==

{| class="wikitable"
! Detail !! Documented record
|-
| Reference
| 3059
|-
| Type
| Manually wound, curved rectangular wristwatch with subsidiary seconds
|-
| Date evidence
| Catalogue estimates include circa 1930 and circa 1935–40. Reported Glasgow assay or import marks fall in 1937–38. These dates do not establish production endpoints.
|-
| Case
| Curved rectangular cases; some are described as faceted, with snap-on backs
|-
| Documented metals
| 9 ct gold, 18 ct yellow gold, and 18 ct pink gold in individual records
|-
| Reported dimensions
| Common reports are about 21 × 42–43 mm; one Bonhams listing gives 21 × 31 mm. The source does not explain the difference; its measurement is retained as listed.
|-
| Movement
| Manual lever movements described as Ultra Prima or Superbalance; sources report 17 or 18 jewels. No numbered caliber is established.
|-
| Dial
| Catalogued examples include Arabic or Roman numerals, a small-seconds register, and silvered, gilt, pink two-tone, or black repainted dials
|}

==Where it sits in the line==

Prince is the most common family label in the sale records, including Antiquorum’s “Prince Elegant Curvex” wording. Christie's calls a 3059 “Precision,” and Sotheby’s and Antiquorum also use “Super Precision.” The Vintage Rolex Field Manual lists 3059 as a rectangular, red-gold Precision. The Beautiful Watch dealer listing says its example is “not strictly a Prince,” while several auction catalogues use Prince for ref. 3059. “Curvex” appears as a catalogue and collector label; these records do not establish either term as the sole factory model name. [https://www.thebeautifulwatch.com/products/rolex-ref-3059-curvex-from-1930s The Beautiful Watch listing] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-123 Antiquorum 2006, lot 123] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-rare-9ct-gold-rectangular-curved-3880884/ Christie's 2002, lot 130] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2015/watches-l15053.html?locale=zh-Hant&p=11 Sotheby's 2015, lot 129] [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, PDF p. 43]

==Production outline==

The catalogued estimates include circa 1930 for case 36391 and circa 1935–40 for case 36448. Christie's, Antiquorum and Sotheby's report Glasgow marks dated 1937–38 on identified cases. Bonhams also gives a 1937 mark for a Fortnum & Mason example, but masks its serial as 363**, which may overlap case 36391. Collector Square's archived Bonhams 2010 record identifies case 36283 and a 1938 mark. These catalogue estimates and case marks do not establish production endpoints. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817508 Christie's 2000, lot 703] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203847 Christie's 1997, lot 26] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-687 Antiquorum 2008, lot 687] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2015/watches-l15053.html?locale=zh-Hant&p=11 Sotheby's 2015, lot 129] [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F28%2FS-22785-0-1.pdf Bonhams 2015, lot 95] [https://www.collectorsquare.com/es/relojes/rolex/prince/rolex-3059/lpi Collector Square, archived Bonhams 2010 lot 162]

{| class="wikitable"
! Catalogue record !! Number as reported !! Description and date
|-
| Christie's, London 2000, lot 703
| 36391
| 9 ct gold; circa 1930; silvered Arabic dial; 18-jewel Ultra Prima movement.
|-
| Christie's, London 1997, lot 26
| 36466
| 18 ct gold; 1930s; Glasgow mark dated 1937; Ultra Prima movement.
|-
| Bonhams, London 2010, lot 162 (archived by Collector Square)
| 36283
| 9 ct gold; Glasgow import mark dated 1938; 18-jewel Ultra Prima movement.
|-
| Bonhams, London 2015, lot 95
| Serial 363**
| Fortnum & Mason retail; Glasgow import mark dated 1937. The masked number may overlap another 363xx listing.
|-
| Antiquorum, Geneva 2006, lot 123
| 36421
| 18 ct pink gold; dated 1937; catalogue calls the dial Arabic, photograph shows Roman numerals.
|-
| Sotheby's, London 2015, lot 129
| 36443
| Yellow gold; circa 1937; Glasgow import hallmark dated 1937; “Super Precision.”
|-
| Gazette Drouot, Paris 2022, lot 6
| 36448
| Yellow gold; circa 1935–40; black Roman-numeral dial described as repainted; movement no. 20776.
|-
| Antiquorum, Geneva 2008, lot 687
| 36465
| Yellow gold; Glasgow assay marks dated 1937–38; “Prince Elegant Curvex” and “Super Precision.”
|-
| Christie's, London 2002, lot 130
| Not stated
| 9 ct gold; Glasgow import marks dated 1937; “Precision”; no case number in the catalogue description.
|-
| Optionata listing
| Serial 36351
| 9 ct case reported by the seller; photographs show a silver Arabic dial, small seconds and caseback engraving.
|}

==Movement notes==

The auction descriptions identify hand-wound lever movements, but their wording and jewel counts vary. Christie's and Antiquorum describe Ultra Prima examples with 17 or 18 jewels; later catalogues also use Superbalance. These terms appear on individual records, not as a confirmed reference-wide movement change. The available photographs do not show a readable caliber number. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-102-198 Antiquorum 1996, lot 198] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-123 Antiquorum 2006, lot 123] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-687 Antiquorum 2008, lot 687] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817508 Christie's 2000, lot 703]

==Dial map==

The records show silvered dials with Arabic numerals, pink two-tone dials, and Roman-numeral examples. Christie's describes gilt Arabic numerals on case 36466. Antiquorum’s 2006 lot 123 says its dial has painted Arabic numerals, but the auction photograph clearly shows Roman numerals. Drouot identifies the black Roman dial on case 36448 as repainted, so it does not establish an original black-dial configuration. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203847 Christie's 1997, lot 26] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-123 Antiquorum 2006, lot 123] [https://www.gazette-drouot.com/telechargement/catalogue?venteId=121747 Drouot Estimations 2022, lot 6]

[[File:Ref 3059 dial-detail.webp|thumb|right|220px|Dial and small seconds on serial 36351. Photo: Optionata.]]

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

Sale descriptions consistently call the case curved and rectangular. Some describe faceted sides or lugs, a curved crystal, and a snap-on back; Christie's describes a domed glass on one 18 ct example. The records do not establish one crystal material or a single case construction across all 3059 watches. Published measurements cluster around 21 × 42–43 mm, with one 21 × 31 mm listing; the source does not explain the discrepancy. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-123 Antiquorum 2006, lot 123] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203847 Christie's 1997, lot 26] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/23509/lot/57/rolex-a-9k-gold-manual-wind-bracelet-watch-prince-ref3059-case-no363-circa-1935/ Bonhams 2016, lot 57]

[[File:Ref 3059 case-profile.webp|thumb|right|220px|Curved case profile, serial 36351. Photo: Optionata.]]

==Bracelet, clasp, and packaging==

The photographed examples use leather straps. Bonhams describes one 9 ct ref. 3059 with a gold-plated expandable bracelet, but does not establish whether it was original to the watch. Optionata’s serial 36351 listing pairs the watch with a tang buckle; that seller description does not establish original delivery. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/23509/lot/57/rolex-a-9k-gold-manual-wind-bracelet-watch-prince-ref3059-case-no363-circa-1935/ Bonhams 2016, lot 57] [https://www.optionata.com/en/products/rolex-duo-gold-1930s Optionata, serial 36351]

== Gallery ==

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 3059 hero.webp|Case 36421, Antiquorum 2006
File:Ref 3059 dial-detail.webp|Dial and small seconds, serial 36351
File:Ref 3059 case-profile.webp|Curved case profile, serial 36351. Photo: Optionata.
</gallery>

== Sources ==

* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/auctions/vicenza-oro-1992-01-18/lots/ Antiquorum, "Antiquorum — ref. 3059 curved rectangular watch, lot 11", Antiquorum, 1992-01-18]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-102-198 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum — Rolex Curvex Chronometre ref. 3059, lot 198", Antiquorum, 1996-10-12]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-123 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum — Rolex Prince ref. 3059, case 36421", Antiquorum, 2006-05-14]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-687 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum — Rolex ref. 3059 case 36465, Prince Elegant Curvex", Antiquorum]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817508 Christie's, "Christie's — Rolex ref. 3059, case 36391, 9ct gold curved rectangular watch", Christie's, 2000-06-21]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203847 Christie's, "Christie's — Rolex model 3059, case 36466, 18-carat gold", Christie's, 1997-09-30]
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-rare-9ct-gold-rectangular-curved-3880884/ Christie's, "Christie's — Rolex Precision ref. 3059, 9ct gold curved rectangular watch", Christie's, 2002-03-20]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2015/watches-l15053.html?locale=zh-Hant&p=11 Sotheby's, "Sotheby's — Rolex ref. 3059 case 36443, Super Precision", Sotheby's]
* [https://www.gazette-drouot.com/telechargement/catalogue?venteId=121747 Drouot Estimations, "Drouot Estimations — Rolex ref. 3059 case 36448", Drouot Estimations, 2022-04-01]
* [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2015-04%2F28%2FS-22785-0-1.pdf Bonhams, "Bonhams — Fortnum & Mason retailed Rolex Prince ref. 3059, lot 95", Bonhams, 2015-04-28]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/23509/lot/57/rolex-a-9k-gold-manual-wind-bracelet-watch-prince-ref3059-case-no363-circa-1935/ Bonhams, "Bonhams — Rolex Prince ref. 3059, lot 57, case 363**", Bonhams, 2016-09-13]
* [https://www.collectorsquare.com/es/relojes/rolex/prince/rolex-3059/lpi Collector Square, "Collector Square — Rolex ref. 3059, case 36283", Collector Square]
* [https://www.optionata.com/en/products/rolex-duo-gold-1930s Optionata, "Optionata — Rolex ref. 3059, serial 36351", Optionata]
* [https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/0b5fdf83/files/uploaded/1.0%20RolexBook-23Mar.pdf ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual, reference table — ref. 3059'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra, 2020]
* [https://www.thebeautifulwatch.com/products/rolex-ref-3059-curvex-from-1930s The Beautiful Watch, "The Beautiful Watch — Rolex ref. 3059 curved rectangular watch", The Beautiful Watch]

[[Category:Prince]]