101 Rolex Fresh to the Market, Never Appeared in Auction to Our Knowledge, Outstanding and Extremely Rare, Oversize Split-Seconds Chronograph Wristwatch in Steel, Property of John Goldberger, Published on “100 Superlative Rolex Watches”

Estimate: € 2,800,000 –⁠ 5,600,000

Sold € 3,284,000

Model: Split-Seconds Chronograph
Reference: 4113
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1942
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 55 VBR 17 2/3’’’
Case N°: 051321
Dimensions: 44 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Cheese Knife Open Case
Literature: This specific watch is published in John Goldberger Book “100 Superlative Rolex Watches” on the front cover and at page 62-63. Similar example of reference 4113 that have been sold in recent years: 2000, 15th November, Christie’s “Important Pocket Watches and Wristwatches” Geneva Auction, as lot 355 for CHF 213,250 - 2004, 24th April, Antiquorum’s “Exceptional Horological Sale Celebrating Antiquorum's 30th Aniversary” Geneva Auction, lot 704 for CHF 234,500 - 2006, 14th May, Antiquorum’s “The Mondani Collection of Rolex Wristwatches / Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, Pocket Watches & Clocks” Geneva Auction, lot 293 for CHF 738,500 - 2011, 16th May, Christie’s “Important Watches” Geneva Auction, as lot 129 for CHF 1,035,000 - 2013, 13th May, Christie’s “Important Watches” Geneva Auction, as lot 88 for CHF 1,107,750 - 2016, 14th May, Phillips “START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs” Geneva Auction, as lot 56 for CHF 2,405,000 - 2019, 9-10 November, Phillips “The Geneva Watch Auction: X”, as lot 139 for CHF 1,940,000

The Rolex split-seconds chronograph Reference 4113 stands as one of the rarest and most sought-after treasures in the realm of Rolex watches, encapsulated by a single word: Unique. It is distinguished as the only split-seconds chronograph ever produced by Rolex, crafted uniquely in 1942, which adds to its exclusivity. With a case diameter of 44 mm, it not only represents the largest case Rolex has ever made to date but also remains one of the thinnest split-seconds chronographs ever produced, highlighting its extraordinary nature. For these reasons, among others, it has achieved the status of one of the rarest icons in Rolex's collection. Produced in 1942, the Reference 4113 was made in a highly limited edition of only 12 examples, with serial numbers ranging from 051313 to 051324. This limited production run makes it one of the most exclusive and hardest-to-find Rolex pieces. The split-second or double-chasing chronograph mechanism is a notable complication that allows for the precise measurement of different time intervals, facilitated by dual start/stop and reset buttons. Despite extensive research, the full history of this model remains partly shrouded in mystery. Initially intended for aviation pilots, it seems these watches eventually gravitated towards the Italian market and found a niche in the automotive world, a theory supported by the presence of both a telemetric scale, for military or aeronautical use, and a tachymeter, more commonly associated with racing. The intriguing details surrounding the Rolex Reference 4113 contribute to its allure and mystique. Its 44 mm stainless steel case is significantly larger than many chronograph models of its time, exuding strength and timeless elegance. The finely crafted thin lugs, with their meticulous attention to detail and distinctive side step, enhance its appeal. The dial features clear applied baton and Arabic indexes and large sub-dials for the chronograph functions, ensuring the watch's readability at a glance. At its core, the renowned Valjoux 55 VBR movement, known for its reliability and precision, underscores the watch's exceptional quality and performance. Given its rarity and extremely limited availability on the market—with only 8 known specimens to the public today—the Rolex 4113 has become a highly coveted collector's item. Surviving examples fetch significant prices at auction, reflecting its esteemed place among watch enthusiasts and cementing its status as an iconic and highly desirable piece in horological history. The example presented here, fresh to the market and never before seen at auction, comes directly from the esteemed collection of Auro Montanari, also known as John Goldberger. Known for his meticulous care of timepieces, Goldberger's ownership guarantees the highest attention to preserving this watch's integrity. Notable features include the deeply engraved and clearly visible serial numbers on the case back and the original stepped lugs, still sharply defined. The dial, with its oversized sub-counters, dual scale, and applied baton/Arabic numerals, remains striking, showcasing the enduring beauty and functionality of this exceptional timepiece. Accompanied by the now-iconic cheese knife case opener, a unique gift to Goldberger from a fan, this watch's mystery and exclusivity not only lie in its technical prowess but also in its unique history, making it a true gem for Rolex enthusiasts and elite collectors. Never featured in posters, mentioned in Rolex catalogs, or made available on the public market, it occupies a special place in horological lore, known mostly through anecdotes, thus enhancing its mystique and solidifying its status as a testament to Rolex's enduring legacy.