156 Rolex A very important and highly decorative, keyless jump hour desk pocket watch in nickel chrome.

Estimate: CHF 5,000 –⁠ 10,000

The Rolex Jump Hour pocket watch is a remarkable example of early 20th-century horology, embodying the elegance and innovation of the Art Deco era. Rolex, a brand synonymous with precision and luxury, experimented with the Jump Hour complication in the 1920s, a time when watchmakers sought to create more intuitive ways of reading time. Unlike traditional analog dials, the Jump Hour mechanism displays the hour in a small window, while the minutes and seconds are indicated through rotating discs or hands. This particular model is a rare and sophisticated example of that design philosophy. Crafted in nickel chrome, its 42mm case has a refined geometric shape with polished surfaces, reflecting the sleek aesthetic of the period. The dial is unique, featuring a digital-style display: the hour appears in a small window at the top, instantly jumping at the turn of the hour, while the minutes are displayed in a semicircular arc below, marked from 0 to 60, with a red highlight at every quarter. A smaller subdial at the bottom provides additional precision. This layout offers a clear and highly legible time display, distinguishing it from conventional pocket watches of the time. Inside the case, there is a notable engraving: BREVET, SUISSE, 136435, D.R.P. 481633, indicating the original production patent. This patent was later assigned to Rolex and is accompanied by Rolex hallmark and serial numbers. This detail not only affirms the watch’s authenticity but also highlights its historical significance within the evolution of Rolex’s technical innovations. Designed for both pocket and desk use, this watch features a clever push/slide-out stand, allowing it to be positioned beside a bed or on a desk, enhancing its functionality.