9 Rolex Extremely Rare and Collectible, Oyster, Perpetual “Monoblocco”, Wristwatch in Steel, With Sweep Centre Seconds, Reference 4362

Estimate: € 8,000 –⁠ 16,000

Sold € 11,700

Model: Oyster Perpetual "Monoblocco"
Reference: 4362
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1944
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 9 3/4
Case N°: 286311
Dimensions: 35 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement

The present watch is a highly unusual example of a Rolex Oyster wristwatch, featuring a very particular case design resembling much more a “Calatrava-style” layout than the usual Oyster form. This model is also known as the “King of Wings”, derived from a series of watches made for the Canadian market during the 1940s and mostly sold to members of the Canadian Air Force. The lot here offered is a very nice specimen of reference 4362, very important since it is the automatic version of the “Monoblocco” case. It has survived the passing of time remarkably, still retaining the original bevels and edges, showing deep and crisp numerals on the back and nice proportions. The elegance of the whole watch is highlighted by the essentiality and beauty of the dial with pink colored batons and Roman indexes and stick hands. Truly unusual for a Rolex design, this “Alternative-Calatrava” is absolutely rare in the world of collectors, thus only a handful have appeared at auctions in recent years and is a very important opportunity to purchase a charming wristwatch.