97 Rolex An elegant and valuable Rolex Prince Aerodynamic reference 3361 in pink gold with black dial coming from "The Mondani Collection of Rolex wristwatches" auction, 13th May 2006.

Estimate: € 15,000 –⁠ 30,000

Model: Prince Driver's
Material: Pink gold
Reference N°: 3361
Year: 1952
Case N°: 899677
Caliber: 310
Movement N°: T29145
Bracelet: Leather strap
Dimensions: 19x46
Signed: Dial, Case and movement
Accessories: Box
Literature: This watch is illustrated in “Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches”, Osvaldo Patrizzi, 2001 Edition, p. 46

The Prince is probably one of those models that lead the foundations for the ascent of Rolex in watchmaking world. Distinct, refined and elegant this watch is among the most attractive Art Deco wristwatches ever made and one of the symbols of luxury during the Depression-era. Its special design with a rectangle case and a large dial for the hours and minutes positioned slightly above the seconds was totally unusual for the time and very conformable for checking the heartbeat of the patients, that was the reason which gave this model the nickname of “doctor’s watch”. The lot offered here is one of the most appreciated and sought-after for its unusual design of the case: the reference 3361 also known with the nickname of Aerodynamic. This model has been launched in 1939 at the National Exhibition in Zurich, 11 years later the first Prince was presented to the public. The Aerodynamic was a groundbreaking compared to the Brancard or the Railway since it missed the peculiarity which distinguished all the “doctor’s watch”, the total absence of the subsidiary dial for the constant seconds. In fact, in the model 3361 the counter of seconds is substituted by a plate that closed the case, on which a coat of arms could be reproduced. When the watch is examined in profile, the difference in thickness between the top and the bottom of the case becomes apparent. The present watch in pink gold is probably one of the rarest that can be found for the very nice condition of the case which presents a principle of oxidation and the particular decoration on the coat of arms with engraved M F. The caseback is almost untouched with very crisp and deep case number and the crown logo. Moreover, the dial is something spectacular with its black lacquered color with pink-gold dagger and square numerals and sweep centre seconds. The presence of even its original box further transforms this watch into an object of absolute value. this watch has been sold in the famous “The Mondani Collection of Rolex Wristwatches / Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, Pocket Watches & Clocks” Auction of 13th May 2006 as lot 209. This watch is also illustrated in “Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches”, Osvaldo Patrizzi, 2001 Edition, p. 46.