Exclusive Timepieces 21 –⁠ 22 October 2023 | Monaco

Auction Details

The timepieces that we are offering at this auction are coming from all over the world and from some of the most prominent collections.
An incredibly impressive selection of truly rare Rolex Daytonas. A stunning and rare Cartier watch. A Patek Philippe in platinum from the 1920s, coming to auction for the first time, the John Goldberger Calatrava, which is one of the most sought-after reference 530s, to name but a few.

Session I: Saturday 21 October, 2:30 PM – lots 1 to 108
Session II: Sunday 22 October, 10:30 AM – lots 109 to 172
Session III: Sunday 22 October, 2:30 PM – lots 173 to 281

133 Rolex Fine and Historic, Bubbleback, Water-Resistant Automatic Wristwatch in Pink Gold, Tropical Dial, Retailed by Serpico y Laino, With Box, Reference 4777

Estimate: € 4,000 –⁠ 8,000

Sold € 16,900

Model: Bubbleback
Reference: 4777
Case Material: Pink Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1947
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 9 3/4
Case N°: 594278
Dimensions: 32 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Box

The Bubbleback is, before the advent of sports watches, the model that most of all raised the Rolex name above the competition for quality and efficiency. There have been numerous references of the particular “ovetto” case, due to the addition of an oscillation weight that led to a general thickening of the movement, to be introduced on the market from 1930 onwards and among them also reference 4777, exactly like the watch offered here. This specimen features a “machined” bezel with double baton at 12 o’clock and single baton at the every 5 minutes. This was one of the three elements of the entire watch also considering case and case back. The present lot has been manufactured in pink gold and very nicely preserved with deep hallmarks. The original dial has aged heavenly presenting a tropical patina with a color that really recalls the one of the case and is further embellished by the signature of the Venezuelan retailer Serpico y Laino, one pf the most appreciated by collectors. Made in a nearly unlimited number of variations in terms of case shape, case material and dial designs, this model is every time a discover and always new and especially when found in such a configuration is a pleasing piece.