155 Rolex An absolutely very rare and special Rolex Padellone reference 8171 in pink gold with triple calendar and moon phases

Estimate: € 80,000 –⁠ 160,000

Sold € 98,800

Model: Padellone
Material: pink gold
Reference N°: 8171
Case N°: .096
Caliber: 10 1/2
Movement N°: 10373
Bracelet: leather strap
Dimensions: 38 mm

We are here in the presence of one of the most appreciated, sought after and wanted watches ever produced by Rolex of all the time. And when we say “of all the time” we really mean it since the reference 8171 is a timeless piece which, for over decades, has been the object of the desire of many collectors and watches lovers. Rolex has only produced 2 models of wristwatches with the always catching moon phases complication, the 6062 and, such as the present one, the 8171. The differences between the two are rather obvious, but the main one is probably the case since the 8171 has a snap on back while the other one a screw back making it water resistant. But despite this, the bigger size of the Padellone, affectively named this way by Italian collectors due to its uncommon large diameter for the time, makes this watch a wearable timepiece even today where larger case sizes are preferred.
This reference has been made in a very small series between 1949 and 1952, mostly in yellow gold, with examples in pink gold or far more uncommon, in stainless steel. The watch here offered is one of the rarest version you could ask for since its case is in 18k pink gold in good overall conditions. The lugs are thick and full, and there is a definite step between the lugs and the case, which is only seen on the best-preserved models. The dial, supplied by the company Stern, is harmoniously beautiful with its slight patina which from the left part of the quadrant is slowly fading. On the outer perimeter, indicated by an arrow, we find the dates of the triple calendar pictured in a blue that recalls the blue of the moon phases position at 6, in still bright, clear and untouched conditions while the indexes and the dauphine hands in pink gold shines brightly under the blows of light.
Vintage but at the same time so contemporary, the Padellone is part of that short list of watches that a true collector who wants to define such way must absolutely possess.