115 Rolex An enchanting and historic, manual chronograph wristwatch in steel, with black gilt dial, reference 2508.
Estimate: € 18.000 – 36.000
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- Model Chronograph
- Year Circa 1940s
- Reference 2508
- Case Material Stainless steel
- Case Number 041'307
- Bracelet Material Leather strap
- Movement Manual, cal. 14", 17 jewels
- Dimension 35mm Diameter
- Signed Case, dial and movement
Launched in the 1930s, the 2508 embodies the restrained, utilitarian elegance of its era. The stainless steel case, with its smooth rounded profile and assertive geometry, reflects the sober, almost militaristic aesthetic language of the decade. Its square chronograph pushers remain nice, an increasingly uncommon trait on references of this vintage. The dial is nothing short of extraordinary, preserved in an exceptionally rare configuration entirely devoid of any peripheral or central scale. This stripped-down, minimalist layout is among the most unusual encountered on reference 2508, conferring an unparalleled level of rarity and desirability among the most discerning collectors. The deep black surface has aged with remarkable dignity, maintaining a richness and uniformity that collectors tirelessly seek. Against this dark backdrop, the gilt printing and applied gold elements create a striking contrast. Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 harmonize with faceted baton indexes, while the elegant feuille hands echo the warm tone of the outer minute track and subsidiary registers.
To encounter a reference 2508 in such preserved condition is to glimpse Rolex at a formative moment in its history. It is not merely an early chronograph; it is a foundational piece, bridging the brand’s experimental years with the identity it would later cement. For the seasoned collector, this is less an acquisition than a milestone, an artifact of horological evolution, uncompromising in character and profoundly rare.
Condition Report
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24 April - From 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
25 April - From 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM