Reference:Serial-numbers: Difference between revisions
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The table is selective, with gaps between some entries. For a number outside it, compare documented examples of the reference. A matching row supplies an estimate, not proof of manufacture, assembly or sale in that year. | The table is selective, with gaps between some entries. For a number outside it, compare documented examples of the reference. A matching row supplies an estimate, not proof of manufacture, assembly or sale in that year. | ||
For [[Reference:1601|ref. 1601]], Phillips lists case number 926196 on a watch dated circa 1963. Sotheby’s records case 1,267,924 on a circa-1966 example, 3'835'110 on a circa-1974 watch, and 4'201'060 on a circa-1976 watch. Use these catalogue pairings to compare individual 1601s; the general serial chart remains an estimate and the pairings do not establish production years. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/106298 Phillips, lot 880]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/fine-watches-3/reference-1601-datejust-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, lot 694]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-2/reference-1601-datejust-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, lot 130]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-9/reference-1601-datejust-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, lot 44]. | |||
For ref. [[Reference:8952|8952]], Sotheby’s dates case 351,427 circa 1952. Crescent Watch Guys' chart puts that number in both a mid-1940s pre-reset range and a late-1950s post-reset range. The chart is an estimate; keep Sotheby’s date attached to its catalogue entry. [https://www.sothebys.com/buy/86de210f-86a9-4599-a8b9-bef3d3bfed75/lots/83afeb8b-1684-4fb2-9c38-0fe31a484dfe Sotheby’s, lot 8932]; [https://crescentwatchguys.com/pages/rolex-serial-numbers Crescent Watch Guys serial chart]. | |||
The 6082 records show why catalogue dates need to stay attached to their watches: Gardiner Houlgate dates a ref. 6082 with serial masked as 69x to circa 1948–50; the masked number cannot calibrate the serial chart. Antiquorum dates case 784516 to 1951 and case 721396 to circa 1962; Monaco Legend dates case 810693 to 1951; Sotheby’s dates lower-numbered case 696848 to circa 1960. These estimates do not follow a consistent case-number sequence. Keep the catalogue dates attributed and do not use them to revise the generic serial chart. [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/print-catalogue/354e86b2f2f64361e4c737fa8504bc4f/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-now-14th-may/ Gardiner Houlgate, lot 436] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-12 Antiquorum, case 784516] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6082-oyster-lot-343-309 Antiquorum, case 721396] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-162 Monaco Legend, case 810693] [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-2/reference-6082-oyster-precision-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, case 696848] | |||
For ref. [[Reference:6426|6426]], Antiquorum dates cases 614,731 and 615,217 to 1948, while the Pergola chart places both numbers in its reused 539,969–663,484 band marked 1960. Antiquorum separately dates case 502,000 to circa 1960. Phillips later dates letter-prefixed case R492,864 to circa 1987. Keep these as dates attached to individual watches; the conflicting numeric examples show why a serial estimate cannot replace the catalogue evidence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-353 Antiquorum, case 614,731] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-216-241 Antiquorum, case 615,217] [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oyster-precision/6426/watch-9244017 EveryWatch transcription of Antiquorum, case 502,000] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080217/891 Phillips, case R492,864] | |||
For ref. [[Reference:5028|5028]], catalogue dates also resist a simple serial-year reading. Monaco Legend dates case 412191 to 1945, while Christie's gives circa 1946 for that watch and dates case 493076 to 1946; Christie's dates case 412032 to circa 1960. Monaco Legend dates case 411813 to 1958, while Antiquorum's 2002 catalogue places an unnumbered watch in the 1960s. These are estimates or catalogue attributions for individual watches, not a reference-specific serial chart. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-47 Monaco Legend, case 412191] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6590236 Christie's, case 412191] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4795731 Christie's, case 493076] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-with-5008634/ Christie's, case 412032] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-22/lot-126 Monaco Legend, case 411813] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-26-360 Antiquorum, 2002, lot 360] | |||
For ref. [[Reference:5056|5056]], catalogues report cases 628830, 629518 and 630309. Christie’s dates the certificate for movement 4237 to 20 July 1948; Bonhams dates movement 4215’s Kew pass to 24 June 1947 but gives the same case 629518 both circa 1947 and circa 1961; Monaco Legend dates case 630309 to 1949. The test date belongs to the movement, and the lot estimates do not establish a serial-year sequence or production span. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-306366 Christie’s, case 628830] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24632/lot/21/rolex-a-very-rare-stainless-steel-manual-wind-bracelet-watch-with-kew-certification-and-especially-good-result-oyster-speedking-kew-a-certificate-ref-5056-circa-1947/ Bonhams, case 629518] [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-38/lot-192 Monaco Legend, case 630309] | |||
For ref. [[Reference:5006|5006]], published dates attach to individual watches: EBTH estimates a serial-masked steel example at 1948, TimeAnagram dates a masked “65++++” steel example to 1949, Antiquorum dates case 671819 to the early 1950s, and Finarte describes case 700389 as a 1950s watch. These are catalogue dates, not a serial-year sequence or a production span. [https://www.ebth.com/items/14105766-1948-rolex-oyster-perpetual-bubble-back-watch EBTH, serial masked as 60X,XXX] [https://timeanagram.com/products/7593 TimeAnagram, serial masked as 65++++] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5006-lot-272-142 Antiquorum, case 671819] [https://www.arsvalue.com/en/lots/1423503/rolex-ovetto-5006-anni-50?nav=True Finarte, case 700389] | |||
For ref. [[Reference:5010|5010]], Antiquorum dates case 646'799 to 1948; The Auction Room estimates case 655756 at circa 1949; Phillips dates case 655'677 to 1950; Bonhams describes case 35873, stamped II.55 inside, as circa 1955. These catalogue observations place individual watches across the decade; they do not form a reference-specific serial chart. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5010-bubbleback-lot-313-136 Antiquorum, lot 136] [https://www.easyliveauction.com/catalogue/lot/a71d427914804f094e9f80b45b7062d1/0af8d24542e81eb9357e7ef448a6646f/fine-art-sale/ The Auction Room London, lot 20] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/282 Phillips, lot 282] [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams, lot 276] | |||
For ref. [[Reference:5003|5003]], Christie’s dates case 724279 to circa 1951 and Antiquorum dates case 849609 to circa 1953. Antiquorum assigns a circa-1960s date to the lower-numbered case 565407. The catalogue estimates do not follow a clear sequence. They belong to individual sale records and do not form a generic serial chart. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5643871 Christie’s, case 724279] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5003-oyster-perpetual-lot-359-125 Antiquorum, case 849609] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5003-oyster-perpetual-super-precision-lot-343-324 Antiquorum, case 565407] | |||
Doyle dates one ref. [[Reference:5013|5013]] with partial case serial 58664 to the 1940s. Linckersdorff dates a separate gold example to 1940–49; Curious Curio and Cool Auction give late-1940s or circa-1949 dates to their listings. None of these records supplies a serial sequence for the reference. The partial number and catalogue dates belong to individual watches. [https://www.doyle.com/auction/lot/lot-1088---rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-bubbleback-wristwatch-ref-5013/?lot=1446668&sd=1 Doyle, lot 1088] [https://www.ebay.de/itm/355515195857 Linckersdorff Berlin, item 355515195857] [https://curious-curio.jp/watch/52035 Curious Curio, stock CW-G346] [https://www.cool-auction.net/gallery/20125/ Cool Auction, stock 20125] | |||
The ref. [[Reference:6210|6210]] article lists five-digit case numbers with the individual sale records. James Dowling reported case 97458 from a Rolex letter. These records do not connect the 6210 numbers to the generic serial charts. [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-kew-a-quite-possibly-and-very-likely-the-most-accurate-vintage-rolexes-ever-made Hodinkee on Dowling’s report] | |||
Two dealer records differ by a year from the 1962 Pergola band. HODINKEE dates 1022 case 856369 to 1963; LV800 dates case 856242 to circa 1963. Both numbers fall in the chart’s 1962 band. These are estimates for individual watches, not factory production dates. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1963-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1022-florentine-finish HODINKEE, case 856369]; [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-mens-18k-rolex-oyster-perpetual-1022-automatic-c1963-swiss-vintage-lv800/id-j_9711082/ LV800 via 1stDibs, case 856242]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola chart photograph]. | |||
Ref. | Ref. [[Reference:1023|1023]] shows the same limits. ART Jewellery & Watches lists 1023/9 and 1023/83 for 1964–1971 but gives no basis for those dates. Waddington’s dates serial 902827 to circa 1964, while Pergola places it in the 1962 band. Gardiner Houlgate dates partial serial 1136xxx to circa 1964; the partial number cannot be checked precisely against a serial chart. Hess catalogues case 1,382,519 as circa 1966, matching Pergola’s 1966 band, though the photographed guarantee appears dated 1/6/68. Watch.de dates a 2,186xxx example to 1969, within Pergola’s 1969 band; Kaplans lists serial 2,186,841 with the same approximate date. Watch.de masks its number as 2186xxx, so the exact serial match cannot be checked; the shared case number and other listing details suggest a repeat appearance. Heritage catalogues serial 933953 as circa 1986, a date that conflicts with the ART guide and ordinary serial-chart estimates; the record is not enough to extend the reference into the 1980s. These catalogue dates and unofficial chart bands apply to individual cases, not the reference’s production span. [https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Wristwatch/134-rolex_oyster_wristwatch-12.6.18-waddington Waddington’s, lot 134]; [https://www.the-saleroom.com/de-de/auction-catalogues/gardiner-houlgate/catalogue-id-srgard10204/pdfexport Gardiner Houlgate, lot 73]; [https://www.hessfineauctions.com/auction-lot/rare-rolex-1023-mens-14k-gold-orig-brickwork-gold_a8c065ff1b Hess Fine Auctions, lot 12570]; [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3967?p=2 Kaplans, item 1 778 671]; [https://archive.watch.de/archive_english/rolex-oyster-perpetual-rindengravur-18kt-gelbgold-automatik-armband-leder-34mm-ref-1023-vintage-bj-1969-box-beschreibung-wie-neu-mit-zertifikat-uber-11-900.html Watch.de archive]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola chart photograph]; [https://artjewellerywatches.com/en/rolex-production-year ART Jewellery & Watches, production-year table]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rolex-men-s-gold-oyster-perpetual-bracelet-wristwatch-circa-1986case-34-mm-14k-yellow-gold-oyster-case-wit/a/668-39217.s Heritage Auctions, lot 39217]. | ||
A 1stDibs item description gives a partial serial, 529,xxx, for a claimed ref. 1010 and dates it circa 1960; the page title says ref. 1011. The number falls in Pergola’s 1959 range. Its missing digits do not show whether it is Dowling–Hess’s exact 529,163 entry. [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-14-karat-yellow-gold-bombe-ref-1011-circa-1960/id-j_6301282/ 1stDibs listing; item text says ref. 1010] | |||
Early chronograph catalogues also show why an individual case number needs its own evidence. Christie’s dated Rolex ref. 2021 case 12'010 to circa 1925; Phillips later catalogued the same case as a 1934 watch. These are conflicting auction estimates, not a serial-chart date or a confirmed production year. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4596639 Christie’s, case 12'010] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/115419 Phillips, case 12'010] | |||
Catalogues date ref. [[Reference:2226|2226]] case 1004619 to circa 1920, cases 1004626 and 1005651 to circa 1925, and case 1004623 to circa 1940. These dates belong to the individual lots; the cases do not establish a serial-year sequence or the reference’s production limits. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817518 Christie’s, case 1004619] [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/chronographe-pocket-watch/ref-rolex-2226/lpi Antiquorum Geneva 2011, lot 203 (archived transcription), case 1004626] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2226-lot-364-504 Antiquorum 2023, case 1005651] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2226-lot-372-10 Antiquorum 2024, case 1004623] | |||
=== Milgauss 6543 dated cases === | === Milgauss 6543 dated cases === | ||
Christie’s dates case 145'159 to 1955 and case 145'111 to circa 1955. These two 6543 watches anchor catalogue dates around 1955; their numbers do not establish a full case-number range or a year-by-year sequence. Compare the movement, case, papers and service history on the individual watch. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5612347 Christie’s, lot 136, case 145'159]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067487 Christie’s, lot 200, case 145'111]. | Christie’s dates case 145'159 to 1955 and case 145'111 to circa 1955. These two 6543 watches anchor catalogue dates around 1955; their numbers do not establish a full case-number range or a year-by-year sequence. Compare the movement, case, papers and service history on the individual watch. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5612347 Christie’s, lot 136, case 145'159]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067487 Christie’s, lot 200, case 145'111]. | ||
Reference 6548 catalogues assign dates to individual watches: Dorotheum dates serial 230584 to circa 1942/43; Sotheby’s dates case 312’326 to circa 1945; Jones & Horan dates serial 230918 to circa 1957; Cambi dates case 324.xxx to circa 1957; and Pandolfini dates serial 22351xx to 1969. Dorotheum and Jones & Horan list Cal. 1130 in the two serial-numbered watches, whose serials differ by only 334 despite the fifteen-year date difference. These catalogue records conflict; they do not establish a serial-year key or production sequence. For early precious-metal watches, check any Glasgow or Edinburgh assay marks against the relevant office’s chart as described in the [[#Glasgow_and_Edinburgh_assay_marks|assay-mark guidance]]. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8560852/ Dorotheum]; [https://www.auctions.jones-horan.com/1901/html/rolex.htm Jones & Horan, lot 485]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-ii/reference-6548-a-stainless-steel-wristwatch-with Sotheby’s]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uk/auction-0841/rolex-precious-oyster-perpetual-watch-ref-6548-in-steel-with-silver-di-286012 Cambi]; [https://www.pandolfini.it/it/asta-0342/rolex-perpetual-ref-6548-n-22351xx-anno-1969-12020003040 Pandolfini]. | |||
Ref. [[Reference:5002|5002]] catalogues date individual cases to circa 1945 (614945), circa 1948 (689220), circa 1949 (Christie's example, caseback stamped 5002), circa 1950 (848921), and circa 1952 (848950). These estimates document specific watches; they do not create a serial-year chart or establish the reference's production span. Christie's reads bracelet stamp 4,50 as fourth quarter 1950, a date for the bracelet rather than the watch head. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642266 Christie's, case 614945]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-5002-oyster-perpetual-super-precision-so-called-bubble-back-lot-330-318 Antiquorum, case 689220]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-falling-time/rolex-18k-ladies-oyster-perpetual-ref-5002-157/60511 Christie's, 2018]; [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/cambi%20orologi%20328%202017_11%20eb.pdf Cambi, case 848921]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/30663/lot/44/rolex-a-ladys-18k-gold-automatic-bracelet-watch-oyster-perpetual-super-precision-ref-5002-circa-1952/ Bonhams, case 848950] | |||
== Letter serials (1987–2010) == | == Letter serials (1987–2010) == | ||
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For early [[Reference:prince|Prince]], [[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback]] and manual Oyster references such as [[Reference:3478|3478]], compare the case number with examples of the same reference and material. A chart covering later Oyster production may not describe an earlier case-number sequence. British hallmarks on precious-metal cases provide a separate assay date. Steel cases need other evidence. | For early [[Reference:prince|Prince]], [[Reference:bubbleback|Bubbleback]] and manual Oyster references such as [[Reference:3478|3478]], compare the case number with examples of the same reference and material. A chart covering later Oyster production may not describe an earlier case-number sequence. British hallmarks on precious-metal cases provide a separate assay date. Steel cases need other evidence. | ||
Antiquorum dates ref. [[Reference:4392|4392]] case 607544 to 1947. This is one catalogue pairing of case number and date, not a 4392 serial-year sequence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4392-bubble-back-stainless-steel-lot-383-105 Antiquorum, lot 105] | |||
For [[Reference:4364|ref. 4364]], auction catalogues attach dates from circa 1943 through circa 1948 to separate cases numbered 295355, 375096, 375110, 391849, 426783 and 685646. Treat these as catalogue estimates for those watches; they do not form a serial-year chart. The case-number sequence and exact year remain unverified, and the reviewed descriptions report no British assay mark for these examples. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-4364-lot-313-363 Antiquorum, case 375110]; [https://www.christies.com/zh-cn/lot/lot-6507222?ldp_breadcrumb=back Christie’s, case 295355]; [https://www.sothebys.com/zh/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/watches-online-ge1814/lot.50.html Sotheby’s, case 391849]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5553794 Christie’s, case 426783]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-geneva-edit/rolex-yellow-gold-precision-ref-4364-384/281103 Christie’s, case 685646] | |||
Christie’s records Glasgow import marks dated 1930 on case 69217 of ref. [[Reference:1381|1381]]. Toovey’s reports a Glasgow import mark dated 1930 on another ref. 1381 example and records “2590” above “1381” on its caseback. These reports anchor two case-level mark dates to 1930; they do not establish manufacture dates or production limits. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-2077566 Christie’s, case 69217]; [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/630005/an-art-deco-rolex-18ct-gold-rectangular-cased-ladys-wristwatch/ Toovey’s, lot 1165] | |||
For [[Reference:5045|ref. 5045]], Loupe This photographs case serial 658895 and dates that example circa 1949. Watch CTI also estimates 1949 from its example's serial, but does not publish the number. These are dates assigned to two individual listings, not a 5045 serial range or production span. [https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex-bubbleback-5045-two-tone-pink-gold-and-steel Loupe This, lot 3834] [https://cticorp.jp/?p=44936 Watch CTI, item R624] | |||
For [[Reference:4919|ref. 4919]], catalogues attach case numbers 607232, 608098, 618966, and 619495 to estimates around 1947–1948. These entries are not a serial-year chart: the dates are catalogue estimates for individual watches, and Tennants reports an unexplained “4919 5011” caseback marking. Compare the case, movement, and any dated paperwork on the watch itself. [https://drouot.com/en/l/35278008-rolex-big-bubble-back-an-attractive-vintage-geneva Drouot, lot 84] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-221-365 Antiquorum, case 608098] [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-4919-c-1948-16-c-d184ffe918 Auctionata, case 618966] [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2147---rolex-a-steel-and-gold-automatic-centre/?au=14302&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2560141&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants, case 619495] | |||
Dawsons lists serial 170648 on a ref. [[Reference:3351|3351]] Lincoln and estimates that watch at circa 1942. Darlor gives serial 118,489 for a dealer-described 3351-F and dates it to 1941. Treat both as source-specific dates for their listed watches; they do not establish a serial-year band or the reference’s production span. [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons, lot 387]; [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor] | |||
For [[Reference:1858|ref. 1858]], catalogues date case 014224 to 1933, case 48191 to circa 1935, case 52,736 to circa 1935, and case 48,449 to the 1930s. A Tokyo dealer listing masks one case number as 58,***; that notation gives no usable year digit. Aste Bolaffi lists movement no. 1143 but gives no case number. Compare these records as individual watch entries; check any British assay mark on the case separately from its serial. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-229 Antiquorum, case 014224]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-272-233 Antiquorum, case 48191]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080220/20 Phillips, case 52,736]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1858-bubble-back-gilt-dial-lot-345-47 Antiquorum, case 48,449]; [https://www.astebolaffi.it/en/lot/261/34/detail Aste Bolaffi, movement 1143]; [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5300 WatchNet Japan, masked case number 58,***] | |||
=== Precision 3540 dated examples === | |||
Sotheby's dates case 58,753 to circa 1938; Heritage dates case 414,638 to circa 1946. EveryWatch assigns circa 1930 to case 041775, while Vintage-Oyster dates that same case to circa 1936. Those are estimates for individual watches, not a dependable case-number sequence. The reviewed 3540 examples provide no assay-mark date. For a gold case with Glasgow or Edinburgh marks, use the assay method below to date the case; that date may precede watch assembly. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-part-ii/reference-3540-a-pink-gold-wristwatch-circa-1938 Sotheby's, case 58,753] [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-precision-ref-3540-circa-1946/a/5363-54445.s Heritage, case 414,638] [https://everywatch.com/rolex/3540/watch-12628418 EveryWatch/Bonhams, case 041775] [https://www.vintage-oyster.com/p/1930s-rolex-pontife-hands-chronometre-ref-3540-serviced Vintage-Oyster, case 041775] | |||
The [https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1924-rolex-submarine-hermetique-silver-cased-watch-ref-3666-cargills-ltd-ceylon Cargills listing] identifies its watch as ref. 3666 and dates it to 1924; its caseback photograph shows “3666” inside the case. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29150/lot/48/rolex-a-rare-and-unusual-silver-manual-wind-wristwatch-hermetique-ref-3666-circa-1925 Bonhams] dates a separate example to circa 1925. Those catalogue dates belong to the individual watches. Neither listing gives a separate case serial for a year chart. | |||
Antiquorum dates [[Reference:1573|ref. 1573]] case 57,605 to the 1930s. The catalogue supplies an estimate for that watch; it does not establish a serial-year sequence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1573-oyster-lot-361-42 Antiquorum, lot 42] | |||
Two 9ct-gold ref. 3140 catalogues report Glasgow marks dated 1937: Christie’s on case 41,323 and Bonhams on case 41,310. These marks date the recorded assay/import, not the watch’s production or the reference’s production span. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203846 Christie’s, case 41,323]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/20749/lot/89/ Bonhams, case 41,310] | |||
Christie’s records a Glasgow import mark dated 1937 on 9ct-gold [[Reference:3116|ref. 3116]] case 42169. The mark dates the case’s import record. Auction catalogues date other 3116 examples to circa 1934, 1940, and circa 1942; treat those as dates for the individual watches. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203952 Christie’s, case 42169]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5091712 Christie’s, case 56735]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-7 Antiquorum, case 148000]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3116-oyster-elegante-lot-346-325 Antiquorum, case 169836]. | Christie’s records a Glasgow import mark dated 1937 on 9ct-gold [[Reference:3116|ref. 3116]] case 42169. The mark dates the case’s import record. Auction catalogues date other 3116 examples to circa 1934, 1940, and circa 1942; treat those as dates for the individual watches. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-203952 Christie’s, case 42169]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5091712 Christie’s, case 56735]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-7 Antiquorum, case 148000]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3116-oyster-elegante-lot-346-325 Antiquorum, case 169836]. | ||
For [[Reference:2849|ref. 2849]], Christie's dates case 36,617 to circa 1936; Antiquorum dates cases 87,464 and 36,618 to 1937, Christie's dates case 43,860 to circa 1938, and cases 36,592 and 39,120/2849 to circa 1940. Antiquorum’s 1989 catalogue labels an unnumbered example “1930,” but gives no case number to anchor that date. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not a verified serial-year sequence; no production range for the reference is established. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5731592 Christie’s, case 36,617]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-216 Antiquorum, case 87,464]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-2849-lot-272-145 Antiquorum, case 36,618]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5158485 Christie’s, case 43,860]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5758919 Christie’s, case 36,592]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-782260 Christie’s, case 39,120/2849]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/auctions/tokyo-1989-12-15/lots Antiquorum, 1989 lot 165]. | |||
For [[Reference:3096|ref. 3096]], Gardiner Houlgate reports Glasgow import marks dated 1937 on serial 41066. The mark dates that watch’s import record; it does not establish a production year for the reference. [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/1a42656b28290c8a4b42b67ac9a365ce/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-clocks-miscellaneous-horology-lot-59/ Gardiner Houlgate, lot 59]. | For [[Reference:3096|ref. 3096]], Gardiner Houlgate reports Glasgow import marks dated 1937 on serial 41066. The mark dates that watch’s import record; it does not establish a production year for the reference. [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/1a42656b28290c8a4b42b67ac9a365ce/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-clocks-miscellaneous-horology-lot-59/ Gardiner Houlgate, lot 59]. | ||
For [[Reference:3136|ref. 3136]], auction catalogues assign 1930s–1940s dates to cases 101696, 102047, 104481, 105063, 110749, 136310, 147386, 147396 and 178901. The close pair 147386 and 147396 receives circa-1942 and 1930s estimates respectively. These are catalogue estimates for separate watches, not a verified serial-year sequence or reference production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-oyster-raleigh-lot-377-158 Antiquorum, case 101696]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-lipton-ref-3136-switzerland-c-1937-99-c-4144bc1b46 Auctionata via Invaluable, case 102047]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-oyster-junior-sport-lot-386-183 Antiquorum, case 104481]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rare-oyster-junior-sport-by-rolex-retailed-by-beyer-stainless-steel-manual-wind-ref-3136-circa-1940/a/5408-54065.s Heritage Auctions, case 105063]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-214-214 Antiquorum, case 110749]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-lot-302-30 Antiquorum, case 136310]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/schmitt-horan-co/a-second-quarter-20th-century-rolex-ref-3136-oyster-raleigh-wrist-watch-6746675 Bidsquare, case 147386]; [https://www.waddingtons.ca/auction/wrist-pocket-watches-dec-12-2024/gallery/lot/85/ Waddington's, case 147396]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5973290 Christie's, case 178901]. | For [[Reference:3136|ref. 3136]], auction catalogues assign 1930s–1940s dates to cases 101696, 102047, 104481, 105063, 110749, 136310, 147386, 147396 and 178901. The close pair 147386 and 147396 receives circa-1942 and 1930s estimates respectively. These are catalogue estimates for separate watches, not a verified serial-year sequence or reference production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-oyster-raleigh-lot-377-158 Antiquorum, case 101696]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-lipton-ref-3136-switzerland-c-1937-99-c-4144bc1b46 Auctionata via Invaluable, case 102047]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-oyster-junior-sport-lot-386-183 Antiquorum, case 104481]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rare-oyster-junior-sport-by-rolex-retailed-by-beyer-stainless-steel-manual-wind-ref-3136-circa-1940/a/5408-54065.s Heritage Auctions, case 105063]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-214-214 Antiquorum, case 110749]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3136-lot-302-30 Antiquorum, case 136310]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/schmitt-horan-co/a-second-quarter-20th-century-rolex-ref-3136-oyster-raleigh-wrist-watch-6746675 Bidsquare, case 147386]; [https://www.waddingtons.ca/auction/wrist-pocket-watches-dec-12-2024/gallery/lot/85/ Waddington's, case 147396]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5973290 Christie's, case 178901]. | ||
Antiquorum’s structured year field pairs ref. [[Reference:3121|3121]] case 43,475 with circa 1938, but its notes call the watch a 1940s Grenfell and also attribute 1938 to the caseback. Sotheby’s dates case 246,915 to circa 1943. These are conflicting catalogue statements and individual lot dates; they do not establish a serial-year sequence or production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3121-oyster-grenfell-lot-376-219 Antiquorum, lot 219]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches/reference-3121-a-stainless-steel-cushion-shaped Sotheby’s, lot 405]. | |||
For [[Reference:6056|ref. 6056]], Watches of Knightsbridge dates an example to circa 1952 but gives no case number. Bonhams dates case 864022 and Antiquorum dates case 865766 to circa 1953 | For [[Reference:6056|ref. 6056]], Watches of Knightsbridge dates an example to circa 1952 but gives no case number. Eguchi Vintage dates a seller-identified 6056 with partial serial 863*** to 1952. Bonhams dates case 864022 and Antiquorum dates case 865766 to circa 1953; Freeman's records case 865392 without a production date. These dates belong to individual watches. The partial serial does not establish a serial-year sequence or a factory production span. [https://watchesofknightsbridge.com/auctions/wp-content/uploads/19th-November-2016-SaleResults.pdf Watches of Knightsbridge]; [https://eguchi-store.jp/stocklist/e21080102/ Eguchi Vintage]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2023-02%2F08%2FS-28031-0-1.pdf Bonhams]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6056-oyster-speedking-lot-336-239 Antiquorum]; [https://freemansauction.com/auction/999-essential-jewelry/lot/318 Freeman's] | ||
For [[Reference:6006|ref. 6006]], Antiquorum dates case 927300 to 1952; Christie's dates case 911863 to 1953 and case 911866 to circa 1955. These are catalogue dates for three individual watches, not a reference-specific serial sequence. The two Christie's numbers are close, but their estimates cannot date another 6006 or establish the production span. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-253 Antiquorum, case 927300]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4700386 Christie's, case 911863]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4006241 Christie's, case 911866] | |||
Ref. [[Reference: | Ref. [[Reference:1925|1925]] shows why patent marks and case numbers need separate treatment. Christie’s lists case 25658 with Glasgow import marks dated 1928. Bonhams records a Dublin import mark dated 1928 and calls 260554 a case number. The British Museum transcribes 260554/1925 beneath “Great Britain Patents” on another early Oyster case; that object is not identified as ref. 1925. British patent GB260554A concerns a screw-threaded winding crown and has a listed priority date of 30 October 1925. Christie’s also prints “20302/260554” for its circa-1925 watch. Keep the catalogue numbers tied to those entries; the available records do not verify either field as a case serial. The import marks record the cases' entry into Britain and Ireland in 1928. [https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1986-0509-4 British Museum, object 1986,0509.4] [https://patents.google.com/patent/GB260554A/en British patent GB260554A] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5606959 Christie’s, lot 5606959] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/17940/lot/204/rolex-a-sterling-silver-manual-wind-wristwatchoyster-reference-1925-case-number-260554-hallmarked-dublin-import-1928/ Bonhams, lot 204] | ||
Ref. [[Reference:6094|6094]] shows how catalogue estimates can conflict even for the same watch. Antiquorum dated case 744253 to 1961 in 2010, then to 1951 when the watch returned as lot 291 in 2012; 1951 also falls near the published serial table's 710,776 (1951) and 840,396 (1952) entries. Nearby 88x,xxx cases carry | Ref. [[Reference:1936|1936]] has dated case records from Bonhams and Dore & Rees. Bonhams gives Glasgow import marks for 1933 on case 10065 and 1934 on cases 150** and 15796; Dore & Rees records a 1937 mark on case 35894. Olde Timers reports Glasgow hallmarks dated 1938 on a ref. 1936 listing, but provides no full case number, leaving its identity relative to Bonhams case 150** unresolved. Bonhams' 2015 case 15796 is identified by its full number, distinct from the masked 150** record. The Glasgow dates are marks on individual cases; catalogue and dealer dates remain tied to their own watch records. [https://www.bonhams.com/discover/rolex/?page=28 Bonhams, case 10065] [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2016/20160517%20S-23508-0-1%20Watches%20and%20Wristwatches%20including%20the%20Collection%20of%20a%20European%20Nobleman%20%5B112%5D.pdf Bonhams, case 150**; catalogue mirror] [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/22784/lot/82/rolex-a-9ct-gold-manual-wind-wristwatch-ref1936-case-no15796-glasgow-import-mark-for-1934/ Bonhams, case 15796] [https://www.vintage-wristwatches.co.uk/watches-catalogue/archived-watches/rolex-watches-archive/1930s-9ct-gold-rectangular-vintage-rolex-watch-4/ Olde Timers, archived listing] [https://auctions.doreandrees.com/catalogue/lot/58bbdc8bf521d34b501d4ce2a9bf9d90/ad74375b82a358e6eef0ce537def266d/fine-jewellery-and-watches-lot-377/ Dore & Rees, case 35894] [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-a-9ct-gold-rectangular-wristwatchrolex-model-1891981/?from=siteindex&intobjectid=1891981&lid=1 Christie's, case 15055] | ||
Ref. [[Reference:6094|6094]] shows how catalogue estimates can conflict even for the same watch. Antiquorum dated case 744253 to 1961 in 2010, then to 1951 when the watch returned as lot 291 in 2012; 1951 also falls near the published serial table's 710,776 (1951) and 840,396 (1952) entries. Nearby 88x,xxx cases carry different lot dates: EveryWatch's transcription of Bonhams gives circa 1952 for case 881574 and reports IV.52 inside the caseback; Antiquorum dates case 882812 to 1962, and Christie's gives circa 1954 for case 882963. The cited caseback-code page includes numerals above IV, which complicates the common quarter-code reading. Record IV.52 as a component stamp and leave its precise meaning open; the catalogue years remain estimates for individual lots. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, 2010, lot 134]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, 2012, lot 291]; [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oysterdate-precision/6094/watch-12440774 EveryWatch transcription of Bonhams, lot 85]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, lot 138]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4970197 Christie's, lot 313]; [https://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html caseback-code reference]. | |||
A photographed [[Reference:1069|ref. 1069]] caseback carries 21,836 below the reference. The dealer dates it to the 1940s, while the serial reconstruction's first listed point is 23,969 for 1928. That comparison does not give 21,836 an exact year. An auction archive also reproduces a Bonhams description for case 21,431 with a 1940s date; it is the same watch listed twice, not an independent dating sequence. Neither record supplies a British assay mark. [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-nickel-silver-cushion-shaped-oyster-original-dial/id-j_18189072/ 1stDibs caseback photographs]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster/ref-rolex-1069/lpi Bonhams entries] | A photographed [[Reference:1069|ref. 1069]] caseback carries 21,836 below the reference. The dealer dates it to the 1940s, while the serial reconstruction's first listed point is 23,969 for 1928. That comparison does not give 21,836 an exact year. An auction archive also reproduces a Bonhams description for case 21,431 with a 1940s date; it is the same watch listed twice, not an independent dating sequence. Neither record supplies a British assay mark. [https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/watches/wrist-watches/rolex-nickel-silver-cushion-shaped-oyster-original-dial/id-j_18189072/ 1stDibs caseback photographs]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster/ref-rolex-1069/lpi Bonhams entries] | ||
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The catalogues reviewed for [[Reference:1073|ref. 1073]] date individual examples circa 1926, circa 1930, in the 1930s, and 1934, but publish no case serial or assay mark. Those catalogue dates cannot be checked against later serial-year charts or hallmark tables. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-15-258 Antiquorum]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-811717 Christie’s]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster/ref-rolex-1073/lpi Bonhams archive]; [https://www.bachmann-scher.de/sold-watches/rolex-vintage-early-waterproof-oyster-kanalschwimmer-canal-mercedes-gleitze-radium-california-dial-stainless-steel-bj-1934-9052.html Bachmann & Scher] | The catalogues reviewed for [[Reference:1073|ref. 1073]] date individual examples circa 1926, circa 1930, in the 1930s, and 1934, but publish no case serial or assay mark. Those catalogue dates cannot be checked against later serial-year charts or hallmark tables. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-15-258 Antiquorum]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-811717 Christie’s]; [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster/ref-rolex-1073/lpi Bonhams archive]; [https://www.bachmann-scher.de/sold-watches/rolex-vintage-early-waterproof-oyster-kanalschwimmer-canal-mercedes-gleitze-radium-california-dial-stainless-steel-bj-1934-9052.html Bachmann & Scher] | ||
Auction and dealer records for [[Reference:2416|ref. 2416]] give case numbers 32,342 (Schuler, circa 1930s; Hodinkee dates the same 18ct watch to circa 1934), 36,776 (Christie’s, undated), 36,789 (Christie’s, circa 1935), 36,848 (Christie’s, circa 1935), 37,401 (Time Rediscovered, listed as 1936), 37,425 (Bonhams, Glasgow import mark dated 1936), 42,923 (Jones & Horan, circa 1937), 43,750 (Bonhams, Glasgow hallmark dated 1938), and 42,988 (Leonard Joel, circa 1940). These are individual case records, not a serial-year sequence: catalogue estimates date the watches, while Glasgow marks date import or assay events. Fortuna places case 36,751 around the 1920s, earlier than the other examples; keep it as an uncorroborated outlier. [https://www.schulerauktionen.ch/en/items/176-2124-rolex-oyster-1930er-jahre?category=armband-und-taschenuhren Schuler, case 32342]; [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/bring-a-loupe-march-14-2025 Hodinkee, case 32342]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3012418 Christie’s, case 36776]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3881029 Christie’s, case 36789]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674719 Christie’s, case 36,848]; [https://timerediscovered.com/products/rolex-oyster-2416-9k-gold-1936 Time Rediscovered, case 37401]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2020-01%2F30%2FS-25954-0-1.pdf Bonhams, case 37425]; [https://images1.bonhams.com/original?src=Images%2Flive%2F2014-04%2F30%2FS-21663-0-1.pdf Bonhams, case 43750]; [https://www.auctions.jones-horan.com/210425/html/wristwatches_part_2.htm Jones & Horan, case 42923]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-ref-2416-a-9ct-gold-wrist-watch-circ-45-c-42a4921831 Leonard Joel, case 42988]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/fortuna/rolex-oyster-ref-2416-cushion-shaped-wristwatch-in-9k-gold-1239453 Fortuna, case 36751] | |||
Christie's catalogues three circa-1940 [[Reference:3064|ref. 3064]] cases: 56'924, 269'204, and 282'453. These are catalogue associations with individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production boundary. The records are [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5758921 New York lot 63], [https://www.christies.com/zh/lot/lot-5674834 Geneva lot 341], and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5790151 Geneva lot 240]. | Christie's catalogues three circa-1940 [[Reference:3064|ref. 3064]] cases: 56'924, 269'204, and 282'453. These are catalogue associations with individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production boundary. The records are [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5758921 New York lot 63], [https://www.christies.com/zh/lot/lot-5674834 Geneva lot 341], and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5790151 Geneva lot 240]. | ||
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Auction catalogues for [[Reference:2765|ref. 2765]] date individual watches from circa 1930 to circa 1942. Dawsons dates serial 76,781 to 1939; Bonhams dates serial 90,509 to circa 1939 and 140,782 to circa 1941. David Lay and Sotheby's identify the same case as 85,883; Finarte records 14,277; Christie's records 83,259 and 83,447; Bonhams publishes 85,7**, 90,509, 90,698, 90,501, 90,751, 90,939 and the partial number 133***, plus case 140,782. Auctionet gives case 90,995 without a production date. Christie's 1935 lot and Sotheby's 2004 catalogue give no case number. These dates apply to individual catalogue examples and do not establish a reference-wide serial sequence. | Auction catalogues for [[Reference:2765|ref. 2765]] date individual watches from circa 1930 to circa 1942. Dawsons dates serial 76,781 to 1939; Bonhams dates serial 90,509 to circa 1939 and 140,782 to circa 1941. David Lay and Sotheby's identify the same case as 85,883; Finarte records 14,277; Christie's records 83,259 and 83,447; Bonhams publishes 85,7**, 90,509, 90,698, 90,501, 90,751, 90,939 and the partial number 133***, plus case 140,782. Auctionet gives case 90,995 without a production date. Christie's 1935 lot and Sotheby's 2004 catalogue give no case number. These dates apply to individual catalogue examples and do not establish a reference-wide serial sequence. | ||
[[Reference:2318|Ref. 2318]] has five published case-number records: 033015 (Toovey’s, circa 1934), 033064 (Vintage Watch Centre, 1932), 026247 (Lot-Art, described as 1940s), 20050 (Shellman, 1930s), and the partial number 22,*** (WatchNet, 1930s). | [[Reference:2318|Ref. 2318]] has five published case-number records: 033015 (Toovey’s, circa 1934), 033064 (Vintage Watch Centre, 1932), 026247 (Lot-Art, described as 1940s), 20050 (Shellman, 1930s), and the partial number 22,*** (WatchNet, 1930s). Christie’s dates a separate ref. 2318 lot to the 1940s and reports no case number. That estimate applies to the lot and cannot be matched to any of the five numbered examples. The catalogue and dealer dates do not establish a serial sequence. The reviewed material records no assay mark or independent date for these steel cases, so the dates should not be extended to other examples. [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/558618/a-rolex-mid-size-stainless-steel-circular-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch Toovey’s] [https://www.vintagewatchcentre.com/product/rolex-model-ref-2318-1932/ Vintage Watch Centre] [https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/ROLEX-REF-2318/158-rolex_2318_2318-06.11.21-meeting Lot-Art] [https://www.shellman-online.jp/view/item/000000003049 Shellman] [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/6221 WatchNet] [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817383 Christie’s, lot 578] | ||
[[Reference:3009|Ref. 3009]] has scattered auction-assigned dates and case numbers, which do not establish a serial sequence. Bonhams records a Glasgow import mark dated 1937 on case 37845; the mark dates the assay or import, not manufacture. Antiquorum records a 1947 presentation inscription on case 474700, while its catalogue estimates the watch to circa 1959. Keep those dates attached to their separate evidence. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25397/lot/41/ Bonhams, case 37845]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3009-oyster-perpetual-lot-351-250 Antiquorum, case 474700]. | [[Reference:3009|Ref. 3009]] has scattered auction-assigned dates and case numbers, which do not establish a serial sequence. Bonhams records a Glasgow import mark dated 1937 on case 37845; the mark dates the assay or import, not manufacture. Antiquorum records a 1947 presentation inscription on case 474700, while its catalogue estimates the watch to circa 1959. Keep those dates attached to their separate evidence. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/25397/lot/41/ Bonhams, case 37845]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3009-oyster-perpetual-lot-351-250 Antiquorum, case 474700]. | ||
For [[Reference:2942|ref. 2942]], catalogues report Glasgow import marks dated 1937 on cases 30,075, 30,165 and 30,197, and a Dublin hallmark dated 1937 on case 30,125. These dates attach to individual cases; they do not establish a serial-year sequence or production span. Christie’s also dates an unnumbered 18ct example to 1937 and publishes no case number. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-3057646 Christie’s, case 30,075]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4211234 Christie’s, case 30,125]; [https://www.tooveys.com/lots/215089/a-rolex-9ct-gold-circular-cased-gentlemans-wristwatch/ Toovey’s, case 30,165]; [https://auctions.trevanion.com/catalogue/lot/61ed58ce15c8942699b260ac5d26131a/a7180bf4bbbb20d27ed1aac9c041a473/the-june-fine-art-and-antique-auction-lot-57/ Trevanion, case 30,197]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1817520 Christie’s, unnumbered 18ct example]. | |||
[[Reference:3019|Ref. 3019]] has an ambiguous case number. Noonans records case 124,854 and dates the watch circa 1955. That number falls in Pergola’s 63,425–139,166 band for 1955 after the mid-1950s reset, but it also lies between selected Dowling–Hess entries 99,775 (1940) and 143,509 (1942) before the reset. The number cannot distinguish those cycles, and the Noonans catalogue reports no hallmark or dated paperwork. Keep circa 1955 attached to that lot rather than treating it as a reference-wide date. [https://noonans.co.uk/media/auction_catalogues/Jewellery%2010%20Sep%2024.pdf Noonans, 10 September 2024, lot 370]. | |||
For [[Reference:3353|ref. 3353]], Sotheby's dates case 146'235 to circa 1935. Christie's gives circa 1935 for case 146'243, while Antiquorum dates that same case to 1940 and identifies it as the earlier 2006 lot. The listings therefore disagree on the date of one watch; case numbers alone do not resolve the difference. See the [[Reference:3353|3353 page]] for the documented examples and source links. | For [[Reference:3353|ref. 3353]], Sotheby's dates case 146'235 to circa 1935. Christie's gives circa 1935 for case 146'243, while Antiquorum dates that same case to 1940 and identifies it as the earlier 2006 lot. The listings therefore disagree on the date of one watch; case numbers alone do not resolve the difference. See the [[Reference:3353|3353 page]] for the documented examples and source links. | ||
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Auction dates for [[Reference:3130|ref. 3130]] also need to stay attached to individual watches. Sotheby's calls case 104789 circa 1937 ([2013 lot 197](https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2013/watches-n09002/lot.197.html)); Phillips calls case 521'285 circa 1945 and one of the last generation ([2021 lot 18](https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/159994)); Christie's catalogues case 443093 circa 1948 ([2007 lot 2858](https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5008631)) and another 3130 circa 1955 ([catalogue](https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-14ct-gold-automatic-centre-seconds-4133893/)). The estimates conflict and do not set a serial range or factory production end. Compare the serial, movement, case and any assay marks on the watch itself. | Auction dates for [[Reference:3130|ref. 3130]] also need to stay attached to individual watches. Sotheby's calls case 104789 circa 1937 ([2013 lot 197](https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2013/watches-n09002/lot.197.html)); Phillips calls case 521'285 circa 1945 and one of the last generation ([2021 lot 18](https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/159994)); Christie's catalogues case 443093 circa 1948 ([2007 lot 2858](https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5008631)) and another 3130 circa 1955 ([catalogue](https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-14ct-gold-automatic-centre-seconds-4133893/)). The estimates conflict and do not set a serial range or factory production end. Compare the serial, movement, case and any assay marks on the watch itself. | ||
Catalogues date individual [[Reference:3134|3134]] cases: 126947 to circa 1941, 529380 to circa 1946, and 104396 to the 1950s. These lot-level estimates leave no reliable serial sequence for the reference. For another 3134, compare its number with the movement, case details and dated papers; an assay mark can provide a separate date clue. [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/101/50620 Dr. Crott, case 126947]; [https://uhren-muser.de/catalogues/en/Crott_91_US.pdf Dr. Crott, case 529380]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-3134-lot-272-143 Antiquorum, case 104396]. | |||
Catalogue dates for [[Reference:4643|ref. 4643]] cases remain lot-level estimates. Antiquorum dates case 641390 to 1948 ([https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-5 2006 Geneva lot 5]). Dorotheum dates case 568321 to circa 1950 ([https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/3266729/ 2014 Vienna lot 3266729]); Christie’s gives the same estimate for case 568342, 21 numbers later ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4211171 2003 London lot 97]). Christie’s dates case 824707 to 1952 ([https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5612415 2012 Geneva lot 204]). The nearby cases share an approximate catalogue date, but these records do not form a serial-year sequence. A Glasgow or Edinburgh assay mark on an example that may predate 1948 can help date the case; it remains separate from the watch’s assembly or delivery. | |||
The 3525 records show why dates should stay attached to individual watches. Antiquorum dates the [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-163-311 Nutting case 185,983] to 1941; Sotheby’s dates [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/important-watches-n10082/lot.183.html case 186,144] to circa 1942 and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-part-ii/monoblocco-ref-3525-stainless-steel-chronograph case 372,822] to circa 1945. Sotheby’s describes an earlier group with the reference and serial on the outer caseback, and a later group with the reference inside and the serial between the lugs. These are auction-house estimates, not a Rolex production ledger. A serial alone does not establish when a watch was made or delivered. | The 3525 records show why dates should stay attached to individual watches. Antiquorum dates the [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-163-311 Nutting case 185,983] to 1941; Sotheby’s dates [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/important-watches-n10082/lot.183.html case 186,144] to circa 1942 and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-part-ii/monoblocco-ref-3525-stainless-steel-chronograph case 372,822] to circa 1945. Sotheby’s describes an earlier group with the reference and serial on the outer caseback, and a later group with the reference inside and the serial between the lugs. These are auction-house estimates, not a Rolex production ledger. A serial alone does not establish when a watch was made or delivered. | ||
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Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1008|1008]] case 666,184 to 1961, case 1,284,790 to 1965/66, and case 1,612,569 to circa 1967. Christie's records an inside-caseback stamp of IV.63 on another example. Antiquorum's 2022 and 2023 listings repeat case 1,612,569, so count it once. These are individual catalogue dates and a caseback stamp, not a serial-year chart. Compare the case, movement and date evidence on the watch itself. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-261-9 Antiquorum 2012, lot 9]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-29 Antiquorum 2006, lot 29]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1008-rolex-zephir-lot-355-458 Antiquorum 2022, lot 458]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1008-rolex-zephir-lot-359-140 Antiquorum 2023, lot 140]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-automatic-5008636/ Christie's, ref. 1008, lot 5008636]. | Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1008|1008]] case 666,184 to 1961, case 1,284,790 to 1965/66, and case 1,612,569 to circa 1967. Christie's records an inside-caseback stamp of IV.63 on another example. Antiquorum's 2022 and 2023 listings repeat case 1,612,569, so count it once. These are individual catalogue dates and a caseback stamp, not a serial-year chart. Compare the case, movement and date evidence on the watch itself. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-261-9 Antiquorum 2012, lot 9]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-29 Antiquorum 2006, lot 29]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1008-rolex-zephir-lot-355-458 Antiquorum 2022, lot 458]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1008-rolex-zephir-lot-359-140 Antiquorum 2023, lot 140]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-automatic-5008636/ Christie's, ref. 1008, lot 5008636]. | ||
=== Oyster Perpetual 1011 dated examples === | |||
Catalogue records attach dates to individual ref. 1011 cases: Antiquorum dates case 546423 to 1960; Finarte lists case 1,093,592 in a 2024 catalogue of a 1960s watch; and Waddington’s dates case 1,301,143 to circa 1965. These are case-number and catalogue-date pairings for separate watches, not a serial-year chart or production sequence. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-45 Antiquorum, case 546423]; [https://www.finarte.it/asta/orologi-milano-2024-12-16/rolex-bombay-5590-1011-personalizzato-per-eaton-137265 Finarte, case 1,093,592]; [https://www.waddingtons.ca/?p=54274 Waddington’s, case 1,301,143]. | |||
=== Oyster Perpetual 1009 dated examples === | === Oyster Perpetual 1009 dated examples === | ||
Auction catalogues date case [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-107 1,738,626] to 1968, case [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-176 1,987,824] to 1969, and case [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/95640 2,489,934] to 1972. These are dates assigned to individual 1009s by their sale catalogues, not a serial-year chart. Compare the case number, movement, and any independent date evidence on each watch. | Auction catalogues date case [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-107 1,738,626] to 1968, case [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-32/lot-176 1,987,824] to 1969, and case [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/95640 2,489,934] to 1972. These are dates assigned to individual 1009s by their sale catalogues, not a serial-year chart. Compare the case number, movement, and any independent date evidence on each watch. | ||
=== Oyster Perpetual 1025 dated examples === | |||
Meticulous Watches dates a ref. 1025 with partial serial 673XXX to circa 1961. The Pergola chart places 663485–688766 in 1960/61; the Swiss Watch Time chart assigns 673,600 to 1950. Rolex restarted its numeric sequence in the mid-1950s, and the chart sources do not agree, so the partial serial cannot settle the date. Freeman's and Hindman dates serial 947479 to circa 1963; Aste Bolaffi dates 1,812,604 to circa 1968; Antiquorum gives a late-1960s estimate without a serial. L o'clock lists serial 960962 as a 1960s example. Vintage & Prestige dates partial serial 401*** to 1974, though the published charts place that number in much earlier bands. Antiquorum's 2011 date-display catalogue attribution and Christie's circa-1973 solid-gold attribution have no readable reference marks in the available photographs. Those dates belong to the disputed catalogue attributions; they do not establish the 1025's production span. [https://meticulouswatches.com/products/untitled-sep8_14-3 Meticulous Watches]; [https://swisswatchtime.com/serial-number-chart/ Swiss Watch Time serial chart]; [https://freemansauction.com/auction/2056-Watches/lot/71 Freeman's and Hindman]; [https://www.astebolaffi.it/pdf/auctions/276.pdf Aste Bolaffi]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-263-100 Antiquorum New York]; [https://shop.loclock.jp/items/109147651 L o'clock]; [https://www.vintageandprestige.com/product/rolex-oyster-perpetual-1025/ Vintage & Prestige]. | |||
=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 dated examples === | |||
Auction catalogues associate ref. [[Reference:1500|1500]] case 885,460 with circa 1962; case 1,280,618 with manufacture in 1966; case 1,555,079 with circa 1967; case 2,925,857 with circa 1972; and case 6,435,758 with circa 1980. Antiquorum records case 1,940,862 as sold in May 1969; that is the sale date, not a stated manufacture date. These are lot-level dates, not a serial-year chart or production limits. Phillips labels 5,782,466 on another circa-1978 example as a movement number; it is not a case serial. [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-41/lot-87 Monaco Legend, case 885,460]; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4982677 Christie’s, case 1,280,618]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1500-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-338-234 Antiquorum, case 1,555,079]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1500-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-372-294 Antiquorum, case 1,940,862]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1500-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-355-461 Antiquorum, case 2,925,857]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/NY080021/4 Phillips, case 6,435,758]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080123/909 Phillips, movement number 5,782,466]. | |||
=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1501 dated examples === | |||
Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1501|1501]] case 761,220 to 1962; case 953,774 to 1963; case 1,263,879 to circa 1966; case 1,993,245 to 1968; and cases 2,321,357 and 2,447,009 to circa 1970. Dr. Crott dates 18K-gold case 3,381,308 to circa 1973. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production limits. Antiquorum lists case 2,171,365 as sold in July 1970 but gives no manufacture estimate. The 1963 Antiquorum lot sold in July 1964; its sale date is not the watch date. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-386-200 Antiquorum, case 761,220]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-247-67 Antiquorum, case 953,774]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-wristwatch-with-5841774/?intObjectID=5841774&lid=1 Christie’s, case 1,263,879]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-lot-294-60 Antiquorum, case 1,993,245]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8534014/ Dorotheum, case 2,321,357]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080122/892 Phillips, case 2,447,009]; [https://uhren-muser.de/epaper/catalogues/en/99/ Dr. Crott, case 3,381,308]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1501-oyster-perpetual-date-lot-386-199 Antiquorum, case 2,171,365]. | |||
=== Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 dated examples === | |||
Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:1503|1503]] case 1,765,968 to circa 1968, case 2,326,051 to 1970, case 2,841,395 to circa 1971, case 5,004,120 to circa 1976, case 5,004,222 to circa 1977, and case 6,275,775 to circa 1980. These dates apply to individual catalogue examples, not a serial-year chart or production limits. Monaco re-offered case 6,275,775 in 2025; it is the same watch as the 2022 listing. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/fine-watches-4/reference-1503-date-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby’s, case 1,765,968]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/96638 Phillips, case 2,326,051]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/fine-watches-ge2611/datejust-reference-1503-a-yellow-gold-wristwatch Sotheby’s, case 2,841,395]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-new-york-edit/rolex-very-attractive-14k-gold-oyster-perpetual-date-blue-dial-14k-284/313970 Christie’s, case 5,004,120]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-ref-1503-vintage-14k-gold-oyster-perpetual-date-circa-1977/a/5081-60276.s Heritage, case 5,004,222]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-28/lot-147 Monaco Legend, case 6,275,775]. | |||
=== Oyster Perpetual 6502 dated examples === | |||
Auction catalogues date cases 36809 and 36729 to the 1950s. Monaco Legend and Antiquorum list the same case 36675, with estimates of 1954 and circa 1958 and diameters of 34 and 35 mm. Monaco Legend identifies case 36701 as a 6502; Phillips calls it a 6603 and reports a 6502 stamp inside the back. The conflicting catalogue attributions leave that watch’s reference unresolved. Sotheby’s dates case 994893 to circa 1964, while the Pergola chart places its serial range in 1954. These are individual catalogue estimates; together they document a conflict, not a 6502 serial sequence or production span. [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-874549 Christie’s, case 36809]; [https://www.artcurial.com/ventes/M1017/lots/14-a Artcurial, case 36729]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-71 Monaco Legend, case 36675]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6502-oyster-perpetual-lot-381-225 Antiquorum, case 36675]; [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6502-honeycomb-dial-166-c-8e042b2aae Invaluable archive of Monaco Legend, case 36701]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/134192 Phillips, case 36701]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-weekly-geneva-6/rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-6502-yellow-gold Sotheby’s, case 994893] | |||
=== Day-Date 6511 case examples === | === Day-Date 6511 case examples === | ||
Auction catalogues date 6511 case 111,654 to the fourth quarter of 1955 and case 134,692 to 1955; Phillips lot 40 lists a guarantee dated 7 May 1957. Monaco Legend lists case 111,695 as 1955, although the lot prose says 1956, and gives 1956 for case 166,725. | Auction catalogues date 6511 case 111,654 to the fourth quarter of 1955 and case 134,692 to 1955; Phillips lot 40 lists a guarantee dated 7 May 1957. Monaco Legend lists case 111,695 as 1955, although the lot prose says 1956, and gives 1956 for case 166,725. Dorotheum dates case 166736 to the model period 1956–57, but its 2017 listing dates case 166744 circa 1965. Pergola's unofficial chart puts 166744 in its 1956 band. The photograph offers no readable case number, leaving the catalogue estimate and chart in conflict. Treat these as lot-specific estimates; together they do not set a production range or serial-year chart. The two catalogues listing Cal. 1555 for cases 111,654 and 166736 conflict with six other located 6511 lots listing 1055. Each remains a catalogue attribution pending direct movement inspection. [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10072651/ Dorotheum, lot 255]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/604595/ Dorotheum, case 166744] | ||
=== Day-Date 6612 case examples === | === Day-Date 6612 case examples === | ||
| Line 273: | Line 284: | ||
For a Glasgow or Edinburgh mark, use that office's historical import-mark chart. Date-letter cycles and the dates on which letters changed varied between offices and periods. The letter records assay, which may precede assembly or retail sale. [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/importmarks.php David Boettcher's guide] explains these distinctions. Opening a case requires suitable tools and care. | For a Glasgow or Edinburgh mark, use that office's historical import-mark chart. Date-letter cycles and the dates on which letters changed varied between offices and periods. The letter records assay, which may precede assembly or retail sale. [https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/importmarks.php David Boettcher's guide] explains these distinctions. Opening a case requires suitable tools and care. | ||
Antiquorum’s 2010 description of [[Reference:971|Prince 971]] case 70,064 is inconsistent about the assay office. The lot introduction says English import hallmark dated 1928; the detailed case description says “Glasgow import stamp.” The catalogue does not resolve that discrepancy. Its date is an assay reading, not a movement-production date. Bonhams’ 2018 lot 37 separately identifies case 0329 with a Glasgow 1929 mark and movement 70,668. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum lot 401]; [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24629/lot/37/ Bonhams lot 37]. | |||
<span id="Why_the_serial-system_year-letter_chart_fails_for_the_Prince_era"></span> | <span id="Why_the_serial-system_year-letter_chart_fails_for_the_Prince_era"></span> | ||
| Line 283: | Line 294: | ||
=== Prince dating examples === | === Prince dating examples === | ||
The table lists catalogue observations on Prince watches and related Eaton presentation pieces. “c.” means an approximate date assigned by the auctioneer. Hallmark readings and presentation inscriptions are identified separately. These examples do not define the start or end of a reference's production. | The table lists catalogue observations on Prince watches and related Eaton presentation pieces. “c.” means an approximate date assigned by the auctioneer. Hallmark readings and presentation inscriptions are identified separately. These examples do not define the start or end of a reference's production. The London import mark reported for ref. 1880 is distinct from the Glasgow and Edinburgh sequences; Christie’s dates that case mark to 1932, which dates assay rather than manufacture or sale. [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642619 Christie’s, sale 5865, lot 410] | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;" | {| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;" | ||
| Line 289: | Line 300: | ||
! Reference !! Case number !! Material / configuration !! Hallmark / dating !! Source | ! Reference !! Case number !! Material / configuration !! Hallmark / dating !! Source | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 70,064 || sterling silver || Glasgow | | [[Reference:971|971]] || 70,064 || sterling silver || Antiquorum gives conflicting English-import / Glasgow readings; 1928 || [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum New York, March 2010, lot 401] | ||
|- | |||
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 0329 || sterling silver; movement 70,668 || Glasgow 1929 || [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24629/lot/37/ Bonhams London, 2018, lot 37] | |||
|- | |||
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 67,940 || 18K gold || Glasgow import mark dated 1929 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5257604 Christie’s] | |||
|- | |||
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 71,969 || sterling silver; movement 7,749 || c.1930, Sotheby’s catalogue date || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/watches-online-7/rolex-prince-reference-971-a-silver-wristwatch Sotheby’s, 2019, lot 8157] | |||
|- | |||
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 02933 || silver || Glasgow import mark dated 1930 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-204130 Christie’s, lot 309] | |||
|- | |||
| [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 05828 || silver || Glasgow import mark dated 1930 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1473055 Christie’s, lot 271] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Reference: | | [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 02506 || silver || Glasgow import mark dated 1930 (Christie’s catalogue report) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-1369394 Christie’s, lot 154] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Reference: | | [[Reference:971U|971U]] || 73,276 || stainless steel + 9K yellow gold || Sotheby’s catalogue estimate c.1939 || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/important-watches-online/prince-reference-971u-a-stainless-steel-and-yellow Sotheby’s, lot 619] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Reference:971|971]] || 011,651 || steel + Beyer-signed dial || c.1928 || Phillips Geneva X CH080319/17 | | [[Reference:971|971]] || 011,651 || steel + Beyer-signed dial || c.1928 || Phillips Geneva X CH080319/17 | ||
| Line 335: | Line 356: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 032’871 || stainless steel || c.1935, as catalogued by Sotheby’s || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/important-watches-ge1901/lot.166.html Sotheby’s Geneva, May 2019, lot 166] | | [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 032’871 || stainless steel || c.1935, as catalogued by Sotheby’s || [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2019/important-watches-ge1901/lot.166.html Sotheby’s Geneva, May 2019, lot 166] | ||
|- | |||
| [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 8860 || 9ct gold; Prince Elegant, retailed by C. Bucherer || London import mark dated 1932 by Christie’s (assay/import date) || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642619 Christie’s, sale 5865, lot 410] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 012043; caseback also marked 1880 || steel with yellow-metal stepped sides and lugs || c.1930, as catalogued by Sworder || [https://www.sworder.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-339---a-gentlemens-stainless-steel-rolex-mechanical-strap-watch-c1930/?lot=509695&sd=1 Sworder, November 2024, lot 339] | | [[Reference:1880|1880]] || 012043; caseback also marked 1880 || steel with yellow-metal stepped sides and lugs || c.1930, as catalogued by Sworder || [https://www.sworder.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-339---a-gentlemens-stainless-steel-rolex-mechanical-strap-watch-c1930/?lot=509695&sd=1 Sworder, November 2024, lot 339] | ||
| Line 343: | Line 366: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Reference:1491|1491]] || F220 || two-colour 18K gold, jumping-hour display || c.1930 || Bonhams, sale 29152, lot 6 | | [[Reference:1491|1491]] || F220 || two-colour 18K gold, jumping-hour display || c.1930 || Bonhams, sale 29152, lot 6 | ||
|- | |||
| [[Reference:1645|1645]] || 1,003,902 || 9ct gold, Asprey-signed dial || Glasgow gold import mark dated 1932 (Tennants catalogue report) || [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2170---rolex-a-rare-9-carat-gold-pocket-watch/?lot=2441604&sd=1 Tennants, 11 November 2023, lot 2170] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Reference:1527|1527]] || 189 || 18K white + yellow gold stepped Railway, bamboo-style bracelet || dated 1931 || Antiquorum May 2006 Mondani lot 108/33 | | [[Reference:1527|1527]] || 189 || 18K white + yellow gold stepped Railway, bamboo-style bracelet || dated 1931 || Antiquorum May 2006 Mondani lot 108/33 | ||
| Line 353: | Line 378: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 01028 || “Rolésium”; Extra Prima movement 74822 || c.1927, as dated by Rossini || [https://www.rossini.fr/lot/131847/19633433 Rossini, lot 346] | | [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 01028 || “Rolésium”; Extra Prima movement 74822 || c.1927, as dated by Rossini || [https://www.rossini.fr/lot/131847/19633433 Rossini, lot 346] | ||
|- | |||
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 011069 || Stainless steel; 43 x 20 mm; nickel 17-jewel movement || c.1940, as dated by Christie’s || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642354 Christie’s] | |||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 9906 || 14K gold; two-tone dial; caseback dedication || 1930s, as catalogued by Christie’s || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674614 Christie’s, group lot] | | [[Reference:1768|1768]] || 9906 || 14K gold; two-tone dial; caseback dedication || 1930s, as catalogued by Christie’s || [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674614 Christie’s, group lot] | ||
| Line 398: | Line 425: | ||
Sotheby’s dates case 686356 to circa 1963 while describing early-1950s production in the same entry. That conflict does not establish a 1963 production extension. Pink-gold case 667005 has a more useful document: Phillips lists an accompanying timing certificate dated 13 April 1950. The certificate dates that event, not necessarily casing or retail sale. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-2/rolex-padellone-reference-8171-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, lot 2143]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/214766 Phillips Geneva XXI, lot 72] | Sotheby’s dates case 686356 to circa 1963 while describing early-1950s production in the same entry. That conflict does not establish a 1963 production extension. Pink-gold case 667005 has a more useful document: Phillips lists an accompanying timing certificate dated 13 April 1950. The certificate dates that event, not necessarily casing or retail sale. [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/important-watches-2/rolex-padellone-reference-8171-a-stainless-steel Sotheby’s, lot 2143]; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/214766 Phillips Geneva XXI, lot 72] | ||
=== Oyster Perpetual 5029 case examples === | |||
Auction catalogues date Hodinkee's case 610727 to circa 1947 and the Phillips and Antiquorum cases 651'517, 660596 and 673206 to 1949. These are catalogue dates attached to individual watches. The records do not provide a 5029 serial-to-year sequence or a matching assay mark for these cases. [https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1947-rolex-ref-5029-two-tone-oyster-perpetual-big-bubble Hodinkee, case 610727] [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/87265 Phillips, case 651'517] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-262-295 Antiquorum, case 673206] [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-433 Antiquorum, case 660596] | |||
== Submariner, Explorer and GMT dating examples == | == Submariner, Explorer and GMT dating examples == | ||
| Line 592: | Line 623: | ||
== Per-reference serial detail == | == Per-reference serial detail == | ||
For the Oyster Perpetual ref. 1013, a Rago Arts & Auction Center lot dated serial 1,900,046 to 1969. Pergola's unofficial serial chart places that number in its 1968 range. These are conflicting estimates for one watch; neither establishes a production-year boundary for the reference. [https://www.ragoarts.com/auctions/2022/02/interesting-timepieces/508 Rago lot 508]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola serial chart]. | |||
For Oyster Perpetual ref. [[Reference:1014|1014]], Bonhams dates a gold-plated steel watch with masked case number 769*** to circa 1951. Bellmans later records serial 769199 and dates that watch to 1962; the masked number could match, but the catalogues do not confirm one object. Pergola's chart places 769199 in its 1961 band. The photographed Dowling–Hess chart lists 710,776 in 1951 and 840,396 in 1952, but does not list 769199, so it gives no direct date for this case. These are lot and chart attributions, not a production span. [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24231/lot/182/rolex-a-stainless-steel-and-gold-filled-automatic-sweep-seconds-wristwatch-ref-1014-circa-1951/ Bonhams lot 182]; [https://app.bellmans.co.uk/en/auction/nov-jewellery-2025-20-november-fine-jewellery-watches/1569-a-rolex-oyster-perpetual-chronometer-gold-capped-ref-1014-with-additional-9ct-gold-bracelet?page=12&listView=1 Bellmans lot 1569]; [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html Pergola, Dowling and Hess chart photographs]. | |||
For ref. [[Reference:6718|6718]], catalogues date individual examples: case 3,405,859 is dated circa 1975 by Antiquorum; case 5,277,493 is assigned to 1978 by Antiquorum, which records a 6 November 1978 sale; Sotheby's dates case 6,628,393 to circa 1981; and Antiquorum dates case 7,350,321 to 1982. The case numbers are dated examples; factory endpoints remain unknown. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6718-lot-376-202 Antiquorum, case 3,405,859]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-253-252 Antiquorum, case 5,277,493]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-11/oyster-perpetual-reference-6718-a-yellow-gold Sotheby's, case 6,628,393]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6718-lot-293-102 Antiquorum, case 7,350,321] | |||
For Cellini-labelled ref. [[Reference:3735|3735]], Fortuna dates case serial 1,809,871 to circa 1968; the number falls within Pergola's 1968 band (1,720,977–1,938,064). This agreement applies to one case. Farsetti dates its example to 1967 but masks the serial as 15**30, leaving no complete number for comparison. See [https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/rolex-cellini-blue-dial-in-18k-white-gold-113-c-d154d64b31 Fortuna, lot 113] and [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, lot 107363]. | |||
Auction catalogues date ref. [[Reference:6609|6609]] cases 148,678 and 164,232 to circa 1956, cases 213,916 and 293,916 to circa 1956, cases 280,130, 280,389 and 284,956 to circa 1957, and cases 355,605, 382,912 and 388,431 to circa 1958. Phillips reports that the last of these has an inner caseback stamp reading II.1958. These are auction dates for individual watches, not factory production endpoints. Antiquorum dates case 447,272 to circa 1966, but the chart above places that number in Pergola’s 1959 band (437,255–530,168). Treat the catalogue date as a conflict; serial charts are estimates and do not date the 6609 production run. | |||
=== Day-Date 1803 dating === | |||
For the [[Reference:1803|Day-Date 1803]], use the general serial chart as an approximate case-date guide. Published histories give overlapping ranges: Monochrome dates the reference to 1959–1976, while Fratello and Sotheby’s place its introduction around 1960 and its transition to the 18038 in 1978. The caliber changed from 1555 to 1556 around 1965; Fratello and Monochrome date hacking seconds to 1972. Treat the case and movement as separate dates; inspect the movement and service history to identify the fitted caliber and whether hacking is present. See [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-day-date-1956-present-president-watch-in-depth-review/ Monochrome], [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-day-date-historical-overview-of-rolexs-flagship/ Fratello], and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-rolex-day-date-a-complete-collectors-guide Sotheby’s]. | |||
The [[Reference:16520|Daytona 16520]] and individual manual-wind Daytona pages compare serials with dial and component changes. For long-running references such as the [[Reference:5500|Air-King 5500]], compare examples from the relevant period; one broad serial span cannot describe every configuration. | The [[Reference:16520|Daytona 16520]] and individual manual-wind Daytona pages compare serials with dial and component changes. For long-running references such as the [[Reference:5500|Air-King 5500]], compare examples from the relevant period; one broad serial span cannot describe every configuration. | ||
For ref. [[Reference:6240|6240]], auction catalogues associate case 1,205,996 with circa 1966, case 1,269,446 with 1965, cases 1,298,267 and 1,298,415 with circa 1965, cases 1,438,971 and 1,439,122 with circa 1966, case 1,439,224 with circa 1965, and case 1,659,454 with circa 1967. These are dates assigned to individual lots, not a serial-year chart or production boundaries. The catalogues also report 722, 72B, and 722-1 labels across overlapping dates; inspect the movement engraving. See [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6269161 Christie’s lot 6269161], [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/158342 Phillips lot 234], [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6212858 Christie’s lot 6212858], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5808817 Christie’s lot 5808817], [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080016/10 Phillips lot 10], [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080318/32 Phillips lot 32], [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2012/important-watches/lot.258.html Sotheby’s lot 258], and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6424494 Christie’s lot 6424494]. | |||
For ref. [[Reference:3358|3358]], Antiquorum dates case 51,419 to 1942, while the chart transcribed above brackets that number between its 1935 and 1940 entries. Auctionata dates case 299,752 to circa 1940. These are catalogue attributions, not a production range; the serial chart is a reconstruction and its entries are selective. For an imported pre-1948 case, date a Glasgow or Edinburgh assay mark by that office's own sequence where one is present; use the serial chart as a cross-check. The two 3358 catalogues do not report assay marks. | For ref. [[Reference:3358|3358]], Antiquorum dates case 51,419 to 1942, while the chart transcribed above brackets that number between its 1935 and 1940 entries. Auctionata dates case 299,752 to circa 1940. These are catalogue attributions, not a production range; the serial chart is a reconstruction and its entries are selective. For an imported pre-1948 case, date a Glasgow or Edinburgh assay mark by that office's own sequence where one is present; use the serial chart as a cross-check. The two 3358 catalogues do not report assay marks. | ||
For ref. [[Reference:3716|3716]], catalogue dates vary by example. Antiquorum dates its unnumbered 1989 lot to the 1950s. Christie’s dates case 54524 to circa 1945, while Monaco Legend dates the same case to 1942; the repeated case is one watch, not two. Other catalogues date examples to circa 1940 and circa 1943. Heritage records a December 1946 dedication on case 56420; that dates the inscription, not manufacture. Accademia Fine Art prints serial 46.742, but the published serial charts do not establish a year for it. Keep these dates with their individual catalogue records. [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-176-49 Antiquorum, 1989, lot 49]; [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-rolex-an-18k-pink-gold-automatic-wristwatch-5008633/ Christie’s, case 54524]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/writable/media/auction/0022-0000/catalogue_0022.pdf Monaco Legend, 2020, lot 125]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-209-284 Antiquorum, 2008, lot 284]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-rare-ref-3716-empire-yellow-gold-automatic-circa-1943/a/5202-60182.s Heritage, lot 60182]; [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-30/lot-102 Monaco Legend, 2022, lot 102]; [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-rare-ref-3716-rose-gold-empire-oyster-perpetual-circa-1946/a/5309-54143.s Heritage, lot 54143]; [https://www.accademiafineart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/montres_bijoux.pdf Accademia Fine Art, 2019, lot 25]. | |||
For ref. [[Reference:6106|6106]], auction catalogues associate case 802568 with circa 1952, 803115 with 1951, and 803117 and 803400 with 1952. See [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/42cd8c41aebfa8aff879eaa499a6cb9f/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-fine-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1000/ Burstow & Hewett lot 1000], [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-91 Monaco Legend lot 91], [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2191---rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-centre-secon/?au=14200&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2510236&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants lot 2191], and [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-47 Monaco Legend lot 47]. These are dates assigned to individual lots, not a serial-year chart or the production limits of the reference. A Vintage Rolex Forum owner separately reports case 803027 and dates that watch to about 1951; this is an owner attribution, not an independently checked serial-year anchor. [https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vintagerolexforum/rolex-6106-op-red-line-officially-t48872.html Vintage Rolex Forum thread] | |||
For ref. [[Reference:1038|1038]], auction catalogues date case 2,236,996 to circa 1969, case 2,287,904 to circa 1969, and case 2,430,165 to circa 1970. Gardiner Houlgate gives a partial case number, 2430xxx, for a watch it dates to circa 1970; it may be the same watch as Antiquorum's case 2,430,165. Gardiner Houlgate also records a “4 70” bracelet stamp, which dates the bracelet. See [https://ineichen.com/auctions/timed-123/14/ Ineichen lot 14], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1038-oyster-perpetual-zephyr-lot-316-295 Antiquorum Hong Kong lot 295], [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1038-oyster-perpetual-zephyr-lot-381-224 Antiquorum Geneva lot 224], and [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/catalogue/lot/03dc801ee229c37db51430f814d19b2e/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-lot-36/ Gardiner Houlgate lot 36]. These catalogue dates apply to individual lots; they do not establish a serial-year sequence or the reference's production limits. | |||
For Datejust ref. [[Reference:16003|16003]], Kaplans dates case serial 5,230,455 to circa 1977. Morton assigns circa 1978 to 5,885,578, while Dorotheum dates the slightly lower case number 5,880,264 to circa 1979. Those close serials receive dates in reverse order, so the catalogue dates are approximate lot attributions rather than a serial-year sequence. Kaplans and Dorotheum list movement numbers separately from the case serial. See [https://www.kaplans.se/en/auktioner/3664?p=20 Kaplans, auction 385]; [https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/morton-subastas/rolex-oyster-perpetual-datejust-steel-and-14k-yellow-gold-ref-16003-ca-1978-1613056 Morton, lot 134]; [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/1075885/ Dorotheum, lot 301-400018/0001]. | |||
A different reference stamped inside the caseback needs comparison with documented examples of that model. Assess the fit and markings together before accepting the back as original or period-correct. | A different reference stamped inside the caseback needs comparison with documented examples of that model. Assess the fit and markings together before accepting the back as original or period-correct. | ||
| Line 604: | Line 660: | ||
Auction catalogues date individual white-gold bark Day-Date 18079 cases as follows: case 5,257,008 (1978), case 6,043,469 (circa 1979), and case 7,294,504 (circa 1982). These are lot-level associations between a case number and an auction catalogue date. They do not establish a serial-number year chart or the reference's production boundaries. Sources: [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/56 Phillips, ref. 18079 case 5,257,008]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-part-i-ge2504/day-date-reference-18079-a-white-gold-and Sotheby's, ref. 18079 case 6,043,469]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18079-18000-day-date-lot-353-324 Antiquorum, ref. 18079 case 7,294,504]. | Auction catalogues date individual white-gold bark Day-Date 18079 cases as follows: case 5,257,008 (1978), case 6,043,469 (circa 1979), and case 7,294,504 (circa 1982). These are lot-level associations between a case number and an auction catalogue date. They do not establish a serial-number year chart or the reference's production boundaries. Sources: [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/56 Phillips, ref. 18079 case 5,257,008]; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/important-watches-part-i-ge2504/day-date-reference-18079-a-white-gold-and Sotheby's, ref. 18079 case 6,043,469]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-18079-18000-day-date-lot-353-324 Antiquorum, ref. 18079 case 7,294,504]. | ||
Auction catalogues date individual yellow-gold Day-Date 18108 examples as follows: case 8'729'324 (circa 1985), case 8'885'500 (circa 1985), case 9'132'349 (circa 1985), case 9'115'123 (circa 1986), and case 9'342'167 (circa 1986). Sotheby's 2018 and 2021 records for case 9'342'167 describe the same watch and count once. These are catalogue dates for individual watches, not a serial-year chart or production limits. See [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-gold-oyster-perpetual-day-date-diamond-bezel-onyx-dial-ref-18108-67/115982 Christie's, case 8'729'324], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5841689 Christie's, case 8'885'500], [https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/rolex-a-rare-and-attractive-18k-gold-6042612-details.aspx Christie's, case 9'132'349], [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6202878 Christie's, case 9'115'123], and [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-watches/rolex-day-date-stella-reference-18108-a-yellow Sotheby's, case 9'342'167]. | |||
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-88 Antiquorum, ref. 3353 case 146'243, dates it to 1940] | * [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-88 Antiquorum, ref. 3353 case 146'243, dates it to 1940] | ||
| Line 609: | Line 667: | ||
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/important-watches/reference-3353-oyster-perpetual-a-stainless-steel Sotheby's, ref. 3353 case 146'235, circa 1935] | * [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2026/important-watches/reference-3353-oyster-perpetual-a-stainless-steel Sotheby's, ref. 3353 case 146'235, circa 1935] | ||
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/40 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 111,654, date and movement listing] | * [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/40 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 111,654, date and movement listing] | ||
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/10072651/ Dorotheum, 2026, ref. 6511 case 166736, period estimate 1956–57] | |||
* [https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/604595/ Dorotheum, 2017, ref. 6511/8 case 166744, circa-1965 estimate] | |||
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/41 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 134,692] | * [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/41 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6511 case 134,692] | ||
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-31/lot-22 Monaco Legend, 2023, ref. 6511 case 111,695] | * [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-31/lot-22 Monaco Legend, 2023, ref. 6511 case 111,695] | ||
| Line 614: | Line 674: | ||
== Sources == | == Sources == | ||
* [https://www.watchnet.co.jp/en/item/view/5300 WatchNet Japan, ref. 1858 product A-6378 — masked case number 58,***] | |||
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/watches-online-july-n09896/lot.19.html Sotheby's, ref. 6609 case 213916, circa 1956] | |||
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6067485 Christie's, ref. 6609 case 148678, circa 1956] | |||
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-25/lot-204 Monaco Legend, ref. 6609 case 164232, 1956] | |||
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5892817 Christie's, ref. 6609 case 280130, circa 1957] | |||
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-36/lot-46 Monaco Legend, ref. 6609 case 280389, 1957] | |||
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/fine-watches-4/reference-6609-datejust-retailed-by-serpico-laino Sotheby's, ref. 6609 case 284956, circa 1957] | |||
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/fine-watches-13/reference-6609-thunderbird-a-yellow-gold-automatic Sotheby's, ref. 6609 case 293916, circa 1956] | |||
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/138071 Phillips, ref. 6609 case 355605, circa 1958] | |||
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080118/118 Phillips, ref. 6609 case 388431, inner caseback stamped II.1958] | |||
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6609-datejust-thunderbird-lot-327-106 Antiquorum, ref. 6609 case 447272, catalogue date circa 1966] | |||
* [https://auctions.burstowandhewett.co.uk/catalogue/lot/42cd8c41aebfa8aff879eaa499a6cb9f/c87e406e317d82bb64ed7e2ebc5bb166/luxury-watches-fine-jewellery-and-silver-lot-1000/ Burstow & Hewett, ref. 6106 case 802568, circa 1952] | |||
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-91 Monaco Legend, ref. 6106 case 803115, 1951] | |||
* [https://auctions.tennants.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-2191---rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-centre-secon/?au=14200&ef=&et=&g=1&ic=False&lot=2510236&pn=2&pp=96&sd=1&so=0&st=&sto=0 Tennants, ref. 6106 case 803117, 1952] | |||
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/index.php/auction/the-july-online-sale-34/lot-47 Monaco Legend, ref. 6106 case 803400, 1952] | |||
* [https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vintagerolexforum/rolex-6106-op-red-line-officially-t48872.html Vintage Rolex Forum owner report, ref. 6106 case 803027, circa 1951 (unverified owner date)] | |||
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/50 Phillips 2015, ref. 6611 case 214,124, dated 1956] | * [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080115/50 Phillips 2015, ref. 6611 case 214,124, dated 1956] | ||
| Line 629: | Line 706: | ||
* [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html RolexHaven, Serial numbers]: photographs of the Pergola and Dowling–Hess charts transcribed above. | * [https://rolexhaven.com/serial-numbers.html RolexHaven, Serial numbers]: photographs of the Pergola and Dowling–Hess charts transcribed above. | ||
* [https://swisswatchtime.com/serial-number-chart/ Swiss Watch Time serial chart]: generic table used to document the conflicting 673XXX estimate. | |||
* Colin A. White, ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'', pp. 26–27: case-serial systems and the letter table. | * Colin A. White, ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'', pp. 26–27: case-serial systems and the letter table. | ||
* [https://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html RolexHaven, Caseback date codes]: component-date caveats and photographed stamps. | * [https://rolexhaven.com/case-back-codes.html RolexHaven, Caseback date codes]: component-date caveats and photographed stamps. | ||
| Line 635: | Line 713: | ||
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080422/8012 Phillips, Explorer 114270, lot 8012]: G030393 and the November 2010 guarantee. | * [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080422/8012 Phillips, Explorer 114270, lot 8012]: G030393 and the November 2010 guarantee. | ||
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/96544 Phillips, Oyster Royal 6244, lot 211]; Christie's [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5731475 lot 214] and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5158176 lot 3229]: differing catalogue dates for nearby case numbers. | * [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/96544 Phillips, Oyster Royal 6244, lot 211]; Christie's [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5731475 lot 214] and [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5158176 lot 3229]: differing catalogue dates for nearby case numbers. | ||
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum, Prince 971, March 2010, lot 401]: case 70,064 and | * [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-226-401 Antiquorum, Prince 971, March 2010, lot 401]: case 70,064; the catalogue gives conflicting English and Glasgow office readings for its 1928 mark. | ||
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24629/lot/37/ Bonhams, Prince 971, September 2018, lot 37]: case 0329, movement 70,668, Glasgow 1929. | |||
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/watches-online-7/rolex-prince-reference-971-a-silver-wristwatch Sotheby’s, Prince 971, 2019, lot 8157]: case 71,969, movement 7,749, catalogue date c.1930. | |||
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5257604 Christie’s, Prince 971U, case 67,940]: 18K gold case with Glasgow import mark dated 1929; catalogue dimensions 26 × 43 mm. | |||
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/important-watches-online/prince-reference-971u-a-stainless-steel-and-yellow Sotheby's, Prince 971U, 2022, lot 619]: case 73,276, catalogued circa 1939. | |||
* [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-jewels-14/lot-156 Monaco Legend, Prince 971, July 2019, lot 156]: case 1,472 and its Eaton inscription. The title and essay describe steel and yellow gold; the material field instead lists yellow and white gold. | * [https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-jewels-14/lot-156 Monaco Legend, Prince 971, July 2019, lot 156]: case 1,472 and its Eaton inscription. The title and essay describe steel and yellow gold; the material field instead lists yellow and white gold. | ||
* Antiquorum, Geneva, March 2008, [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-692 lot 692] and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-693 lot 693]: separate 1491 and 1491HS watches; the 1945 Bucherer invoice accompanies lot 692, case 1,578. | * Antiquorum, Geneva, March 2008, [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-692 lot 692] and [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-693 lot 693]: separate 1491 and 1491HS watches; the 1945 Bucherer invoice accompanies lot 692, case 1,578. | ||
| Line 645: | Line 727: | ||
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6075 case 714440] | * [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/284 Phillips, 2015, ref. 6075 case 714440] | ||
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-oyster-perpetual-officially-certified-chronometer-lot-351-147 Antiquorum, 2022, ref. 6075 case 715511] | * [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6075-oyster-perpetual-officially-certified-chronometer-lot-351-147 Antiquorum, 2022, ref. 6075 case 715511] | ||
* [https://auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/print-catalogue/354e86b2f2f64361e4c737fa8504bc4f/63b778f7668dabe928d3800924a99077/watches-jewellery-now-14th-may/ Gardiner Houlgate, 2025, ref. 6082 lot 436, circa 1948–50 with serial masked as 69x] | |||
* [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/807-cambi_orologi_719_2022_05_eb.pdf Cambi Aste, 2022, ref. 6075 case 715.xxx] | * [https://www.cambiaste.com/uploads/auctions/807-cambi_orologi_719_2022_05_eb.pdf Cambi Aste, 2022, ref. 6075 case 715.xxx] | ||
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-530 Antiquorum, ref. 6094/6294, case 745061] | * [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-203-530 Antiquorum, ref. 6094/6294, case 745061] | ||
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 744253, 2010 date] | * [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-242-134 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 744253, 2010 date] | ||
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 744253, 2012 date] | * [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-tropical-lot-262-291 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 744253, 2012 date] | ||
* [https:// | * [https://everywatch.com/rolex/oysterdate-precision/6094/watch-12440774 EveryWatch transcription of Bonhams, ref. 6094, case 881574 and IV.52 stamp] | ||
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 882812] | * [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-6094-oysterdate-precision-lot-313-138 Antiquorum, ref. 6094, case 882812] | ||
* [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4970197 Christie's, ref. 6094, case 882963] | * [https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-4970197 Christie's, ref. 6094, case 882963] | ||
| Line 659: | Line 742: | ||
* [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/108/57379 Uhren-Muser, Prince 1768 case 019794, circa 1930] | * [https://uhren-muser.de/en/archives/108/57379 Uhren-Muser, Prince 1768 case 019794, circa 1930] | ||
* [https://www.cannesauction.com/en-lots/64330 Cannes Auction, Prince ref. 1768, lot 135, circa 1937] | * [https://www.cannesauction.com/en-lots/64330 Cannes Auction, Prince ref. 1768, lot 135, circa 1937] | ||
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4642354 Christie’s, Prince ref. 1768 case 011069, circa 1940] | |||
* [https://www.farsettiarte.it/uk/auction-0264-2/rolex-cellini-ref-3735-1967-107363 Farsetti, ref. 3735, lot 107363, masked case serial 15**30] | |||
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches-part-ii/reference-3540-a-pink-gold-wristwatch-circa-1938 Sotheby's, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 58,753] | |||
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/wristwatch/rolex-precision-ref-3540-circa-1946/a/5363-54445.s Heritage Auctions, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 414,638] | |||
* [https://everywatch.com/rolex/3540/watch-12628418 EveryWatch/Bonhams, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 041775] | |||
* [https://www.vintage-oyster.com/p/1930s-rolex-pontife-hands-chronometre-ref-3540-serviced Vintage-Oyster, Rolex Precision ref. 3540, case 041775] | |||
* [https://dawsons.blob.core.windows.net/main/Full%20Catalogue%20-%20May%202022%20Jewellery.pdf Dawsons, ref. 3351 Lincoln, serial 170648, circa 1942] | |||
* [https://www.darlor-watch.com/rolex_watches_3.html Darlor, dealer-described ref. 3351-F, serial 118,489, circa 1941] | |||
* [https://electronicsandbooks.com/edt/manual/Art/Auction/Bonhams/2022/20220524%20S-27810-0-1%20Montres%20de%20Prestige.pdf Bonhams Paris, 24 May 2022, ref. 5010, lot 276] | |||