Rolexopedia

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex 1343 Prince Classic}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex 1343 Prince Classic}}
{{#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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</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.


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|-
|-
| case shape
| case shape
| rectangular Art Deco, unflared (parallel-sided) — the distinguishing tell from the Brancard's flared waist
| rectangular Art Deco, unflared (parallel-sided); the distinguishing tell from the Brancard's flared waist
|-
|-
| case dimensions
| case dimensions
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|-
|-
| predecessor / sister
| predecessor / sister
| launches alongside the 971 Brancard (Friedberg) or alongside the 1490 Brancard (''Rolex Magazine'' 2017) — see launch-pair contradiction below
| launches alongside the 971 Brancard (Friedberg) or alongside the 1490 Brancard (''Rolex Magazine'' 2017); see launch-pair contradiction below
|-
|-
| successor
| successor
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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) is the foundational English-language taxonomy, 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 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 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 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 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.


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 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.


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. 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.


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


The 1343 runs an Aegler 7½ ligne shaped manual-wind caliber — the same family of rectangular movements that powers the entire early Rolex Prince line. The caliber receives different commercial designations across surfaced lots: Bonhams catalogue text describes "15 jewels, adjusted to 6 positions, Observatory Quality" (sale 24632); the Mondani Antiquorum lot describes "Extra Prima, 15 jewels, Observatory Quality"; the Antiquorum 100 Years 2000 sale (lot 60, ref 6057C, an adjacent Prince Classic) reads the period spec as "Prima caliber 7½ ligne, rhodium plated, 15 jewels, lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance with Breguet balance spring."
The 1343 runs an Aegler 7½ ligne shaped manual-wind caliber; the same family of rectangular movements that powers the entire early Rolex Prince line. The caliber receives different commercial designations across surfaced lots: Bonhams catalogue text describes "15 jewels, adjusted to 6 positions, Observatory Quality" (sale 24632); the Mondani Antiquorum lot describes "Extra Prima, 15 jewels, Observatory Quality"; the Antiquorum 100 Years 2000 sale (lot 60, ref 6057C, an adjacent Prince Classic) reads the period spec as "Prima caliber 7½ ligne, rhodium plated, 15 jewels, lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance with Breguet balance spring."


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; 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.
Several surfaced 1343 lots are described as Observatory Quality or Extra Prima. Those catalogue grades describe the movements as adjusted to a high period standard, but the available lot descriptions do not by themselves prove a specific observatory certificate for every watch. 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 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.
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:


* 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


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.


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=== Two-tone silvered with applied Arabic numerals ===
=== Two-tone silvered with applied Arabic numerals ===


The dominant configuration. Silvered or matte-grey ground, applied or painted black Arabic numerals, sub-seconds register at six o'clock. The 1343B Tiger Stripe at Bonhams 24632 carries this dial. The Bonhams 17800 9ct gold 1343A and the Bonhams 16896 silver 1343 also carry two-tone silvered Arabic dials. The Gardiner Houlgate Bucherer-signed 1343A wears a silvered Arabic dial with the ''C.Bucherer's'' retailer text printed at six.
A frequently documented configuration. Silvered or matte-grey ground, applied or painted black Arabic numerals, sub-seconds register at six o'clock. The 1343B Tiger Stripe at Bonhams 24632 carries this dial. The Bonhams 17800 9ct gold 1343A and the Bonhams 16896 silver 1343 also carry two-tone silvered Arabic dials. The Gardiner Houlgate Bucherer-signed 1343A wears a silvered Arabic dial with the ''C.Bucherer's'' retailer text printed at six.


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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 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.
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. The available record contains fewer examples of this layout than the Arabic-numeral layout. The contrast between gold batons and the steel case is a feature of this photographed example.


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<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 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.
The Heritage Auctions sterling 1343 (lot 5023-61304, c.1930) is catalogued with a decorative dial; the 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.


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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 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 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>
=== 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 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. It is the only retailer-signed 1343 located in the sources reviewed and one of the latest dated examples in that record. Later Bucherer-signed Rolex references are more common, but that comparison does not establish a frequency for Prince watches.


<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; 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.
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 in the reviewed set anchors the seven-position example; the claim comes from dealer documentation.


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! Sale !! Lot !! Year !! Reference details !! Result
! Sale !! Lot !! Year !! Reference details !! Result
|-
|-
| Bonhams Fine Watches 24632 (London) || 47 || 2018 || 1343B Tiger Stripe, 18K two-colour gold, 20 × 35 mm, case 67946 / mvt 71351, 15j Observatory 6-pos, retailer Charles Packer & Co (London), Glasgow 1929 hallmarks || Est. £7,000–9,000 — not sold
| Bonhams Fine Watches 24632 (London) || 47 || 2018 || 1343B Tiger Stripe, 18K two-colour gold, 20 × 35 mm, case 67946 / mvt 71351, 15j Observatory 6-pos, retailer Charles Packer & Co (London), Glasgow 1929 hallmarks || Est. £7,000–9,000; not sold
|-
|-
| Bonhams 25394 || — || 2019 || 1343B Tiger Stripe re-offered after 24632 unsold || Est. €7,000–9,300 — not sold
| Bonhams 25394 || || 2019 || 1343B Tiger Stripe re-offered after 24632 unsold || Est. €7,000–9,300; not sold
|-
|-
| Antiquorum / Mondani Collection (Geneva) || 794 || 2006 || 1343A, stainless steel "Rolesium," 40 × 20 mm, case 836678, Extra Prima 15j, matte champagne dial with applied yellow gold batons, c.1930s || Est. CHF 10,000–14,000 — hammer CHF 10,620
| Antiquorum / Mondani Collection (Geneva) || 794 || 2006 || 1343A, stainless steel "Rolesium," 40 × 20 mm, case 836678, Extra Prima 15j, matte champagne dial with applied yellow gold batons, c.1930s || Est. CHF 10,000–14,000; hammer CHF 10,620
|-
|-
| Gardiner Houlgate The Watch Sale (Corsham) || 45 || 2018 || 1343A, 14K white gold, 40 × 20 mm, mvt 8325 (15j, 6-pos), Bucherer-signed silvered dial, c.1935, serial 67xxx ||
| Gardiner Houlgate The Watch Sale (Corsham) || 45 || 2018 || 1343A, 14K white gold, 40 × 20 mm, mvt 8325 (15j, 6-pos), Bucherer-signed silvered dial, c.1935, serial 67xxx ||
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| Heritage Auctions Signature Timepieces || 5023-61304 || 2009 || 1343 sterling, 43 × 23 mm, golden Arabic numerals + blue batons + sub-seconds at 6, c.1930, "Prince Classic Duo Dial" ||
| Heritage Auctions Signature Timepieces || 5023-61304 || 2009 || 1343 sterling, 43 × 23 mm, golden Arabic numerals + blue batons + sub-seconds at 6, c.1930, "Prince Classic Duo Dial" ||
|-
|-
| Bonhams 17800 (London) || — || 2010 || 1343A 9ct gold, 20 mm, two-tone silvered Arabic dial, 15j 6-pos || Sold £2,280
| Bonhams 17800 (London) || || 2010 || 1343A 9ct gold, 20 mm, two-tone silvered Arabic dial, 15j 6-pos || Sold £2,280
|-
|-
| Bonhams 16896 (London) || — || 2009 || 1343 silver, 20 × 39 mm, applied Arabic dial, 15j Extra Prima Observatory || Sold £2,400
| Bonhams 16896 (London) || || 2009 || 1343 silver, 20 × 39 mm, applied Arabic dial, 15j Extra Prima Observatory || Sold £2,400
|}
|}


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.
The reviewed Phillips, Sotheby’s, and Christie’s material contains fewer 1343 references than the Bonhams and Antiquorum examples listed above. The available auction record is too small to support a fixed price relationship with the 1490 Brancard.


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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. Most surviving 1343s have been serviced, dialled-restored, or partially refit at some point in the period 1980–2010, when collector demand for vintage Rolex pushed many Prince examples through restoration shops. Eric Wind, writing at Wind Vintage, frames the unrestored-original Prince as "almost always found in a compromised state due to a common practice in the 1980s and 1990s where collectors would have the dials redone." Treat any 1343 with a perfect glossy dial as suspect; treat dials with even minor period patina (silvering loss, applied-marker shadowing, sub-seconds-track wear) as the originality positive.
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.


The movement number versus the case number is the standard authentication anchor. Both should be period-consistent and should match the catalogue's recorded ranges where they exist (Bonhams 24632 case 67946 / mvt 71351 is the strongest documented anchor for the 1343B). A 1343 with a movement number from a later production era — particularly any T.S. (Texte Sélecté) family caliber, which entered Prince production after the 1343 era — is service-replacement and not original.
The movement number versus the case number is the standard authentication anchor. Both should be period-consistent and should match the catalogue's recorded ranges where they exist (Bonhams 24632 case 67946 / mvt 71351 is the strongest documented anchor for the 1343B). A movement from a later production family, including a T.S. caliber, would need an explanation because the reviewed 1343 lots use the earlier shaped movement family. A number alone cannot establish whether a movement was replaced without examining the movement and case together.


The Aegler shaped caliber across all early Prince references is fragile. Christian Wass at Watch Guy has documented restoration narratives on Prince movements where damaged parts had to be CNC-machined from scratch because original Aegler parts no longer exist. Service history matters; a Prince that has been in continuous service across decades may carry post-period replacement components without ever being misattributed at sale.
The Aegler shaped caliber across all early Prince references is fragile. Christian Wass at Watch Guy has documented restoration narratives on Prince movements where damaged parts had to be CNC-machined from scratch because original Aegler parts no longer exist. Service history matters; a Prince that has been in continuous service across decades may carry post-period replacement components without ever being misattributed at sale.
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== Related references ==
== Related references ==


* [[Reference:971|Prince 971]] — Brancard Art-Deco (1928–1938)
* [[Reference:971|Prince 971]]: Brancard Art-Deco (1928–1938)
* [[Reference:1862|Prince 1862]] — 1928–1942
* [[Reference:1862|Prince 1862]]: 1928–1942
* [[Reference:1490|Prince 1490]] — 1928–1945
* [[Reference:1490|Prince 1490]]: 1928–1945
* [[Reference:1491|Prince 1491]] — 1930–1945
* [[Reference:1491|Prince 1491]]: 1930–1945
* [[Reference:1527|Prince 1527]] — 1930–1945
* [[Reference:1527|Prince 1527]]: 1930–1945
* [[Reference:3361|Prince 3361]]
* [[Reference:3361|Prince 3361]]


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 ==
* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra
* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual''; Colin A. White, Morning Tundra
* TimeZone — Paul Friedberg, "Rolex Prince reference" (2001)
* TimeZone; Paul Friedberg, "Rolex Prince reference" (2001)
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24632/lot/47/ "Bonhams Fine Watches 24632 Lot 47 — Rolex Prince Tiger Stripe Ref 1343B Glasgow 1929", Bonhams, 2018]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24632/lot/47/ "Bonhams Fine Watches 24632 Lot 47; Rolex Prince Tiger Stripe Ref 1343B Glasgow 1929", Bonhams, 2018]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/25394/ "Bonhams 25394 19 Feb 2019 — Rolex Prince Ref 1343B Tiger Stripe Glasgow 1929 reoffered", Bonhams, 2019]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/25394/ "Bonhams 25394 19 Feb 2019; Rolex Prince Ref 1343B Tiger Stripe Glasgow 1929 reoffered", Bonhams, 2019]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/prince/1343/watch-9186469 "The Mondani Collection of Rolex Wristwatches Antiquorum Geneva 14 May 2006 Lot 794 — Rolex Prince Ref 1343A stainless steel", Antiquorum, 2006]
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/prince/1343/watch-9186469 "The Mondani Collection of Rolex Wristwatches Antiquorum Geneva 14 May 2006 Lot 794; Rolex Prince Ref 1343A stainless steel", Antiquorum, 2006]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-sterling-prince-classic-duo-dial-wristwatch-ref-1343-circa-1930/a/5023-61304.s "Heritage Auctions Lot 5023-61304 — Rolex Sterling Prince Classic Duo Dial Ref 1343 c.1930", Heritage Auctions, 2009]
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-sterling-prince-classic-duo-dial-wristwatch-ref-1343-circa-1930/a/5023-61304.s "Heritage Auctions Lot 5023-61304; Rolex Sterling Prince Classic Duo Dial Ref 1343 c.1930", Heritage Auctions, 2009]
* [https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-us/auction-catalogues/gardiner-houlgate/catalogue-id-srgard10088/lot-4149f527-48db-4228-9a6b-a8d6009c28fa "Gardiner Houlgate The Watch Sale Lot 45 — Rolex Prince Ref 1343A 14k White Gold Bucherer-signed", Gardiner Houlgate, 2018]
* [https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-us/auction-catalogues/gardiner-houlgate/catalogue-id-srgard10088/lot-4149f527-48db-4228-9a6b-a8d6009c28fa "Gardiner Houlgate The Watch Sale Lot 45; Rolex Prince Ref 1343A 14k White Gold Bucherer-signed", Gardiner Houlgate, 2018]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/17800/ "Bonhams 17800 9 Jun 2010 — Rolex Prince Ref 1343A 9ct Gold", Bonhams, 2010]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/17800/ "Bonhams 17800 9 Jun 2010; Rolex Prince Ref 1343A 9ct Gold", Bonhams, 2010]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/16896/ "Bonhams 16896 2 Dec 2009 — Rolex Prince Ref 1343 Silver", Bonhams, 2009]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/16896/ "Bonhams 16896 2 Dec 2009; Rolex Prince Ref 1343 Silver", Bonhams, 2009]
* [https://watchestobuy.com/shop/rolex-prince-1930s/ "Watches To Buy — Rolex Prince 1930s Ref 1343 White Gold Adjusted to 7 Positions", Watches To Buy]
* [https://watchestobuy.com/shop/rolex-prince-1930s/ "Watches To Buy; Rolex Prince 1930s Ref 1343 White Gold Adjusted to 7 Positions", Watches To Buy]
* [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/prince/ref-rolex-1343/lpi "Collectors Square — Rolex Prince Ref 1343 price index", Collectors Square]
* [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/prince/ref-rolex-1343/lpi "Collectors Square; Rolex Prince Ref 1343 price index", Collectors Square]
* [https://www.windvintage.com/vintage-rolex-prince-reference-1343 Eric Wind, "Wind Vintage — Vintage Rolex Prince Reference 1343", Wind Vintage]
* [https://www.windvintage.com/vintage-rolex-prince-reference-1343 Eric Wind, "Wind Vintage; Vintage Rolex Prince Reference 1343", Wind Vintage]
* [https://beckertime.com/blog/popular-rolex-watches-1920s/ "Popular Rolex Watches of the 1920s", Beckertime]
* [https://beckertime.com/blog/popular-rolex-watches-1920s/ "Popular Rolex Watches of the 1920s", Beckertime]
* [https://watchguy.co.uk/cnc-machine-saves-a-prince/ Christian Wass, "CNC machine saves a Prince!", Watch Guy]
* [https://watchguy.co.uk/cnc-machine-saves-a-prince/ Christian Wass, "CNC machine saves a Prince!", Watch Guy]
* [https://rolexmagazine.com/the-prince/ Jake Ehrlich, "Rolex Prince — Ref 1343 Classic and 1490 Brancard", Rolex Magazine, 2017]
* [https://rolexmagazine.com/the-prince/ Jake Ehrlich, "Rolex Prince; Ref 1343 Classic and 1490 Brancard", Rolex Magazine, 2017]




[[Category:Prince]]
[[Category:Prince]]
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