264 Rolex Important and Very Fine, Padellone, Automatic Wristwatch in Stainless Steel, With Argenté Dial, Triple Calendar and Moon Phases, Reference 8171, Former Property of the Rolex Connoisseurs Collection
Estimate: €120,000 – 240,000
Sold (Premium)€227,500
Model: Padellone
Reference: 8171
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1950
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 10"1/2
Case N°: 686346
Dimensions: 38 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
After decades of producing tools/sports models, time-only watches and chronographs, Rolex decided to create its first complicated watch. Day, dates, month and moon phases: the Padellone is the set and the result of a series of complications that make it one of the most legendary vintage watches ever created. In production for only four years between 1949 and 1952, it is considered that of the reference 8171 have been realized only approximately 1000 pieces overall. Its nickname Padellone, given by Italian collectors, comes from its unusually large case with 38 mm in diameter, when compared with the models of that period. The present lot is a truly remarkable example realized in stainless steel and preserved in very nice conditions with sharp edges. The dial heavenly aged with a delicate patina, gorgeous applied steel hour indexes, two subtile hands, two small windows at 12 o’clock for English day and month and an outer perimeter with light blue date indicated by a vivid blue hand. At 6 o’clock then, the moon phase subdial, for the first time present on a Rolex model and the only one with a non-oyster case, with its yellow-gold painting standing out in a dark sky. Historically important and icons of horology’s world, the 8171 is one of the most contemporary vintage watches for its big size and style but most of all, one of the most sought after by collectors.