173 Rolex A very fine, early and rare, Barilotto, manual chronograph wristwatch in pink gold, with pink patinated dial, reference 3525.
Estimate: € 40.000 – 80.000
A 20% import VAT is due on the final price including premium, only if it is delivered within the EU.
Create an account or log in to place bids.
- Model Barilotto
- Year 1942
- Reference 3525
- Case Material 18K pink gold
- Case Number 147'849
- Bracelet Material Leather strap
- Movement Manual, cal. 13", 17 jewels
- Dimension 35mm Diameter
- Signed Case, dial and movement
- Literature This specific watch was previously sold in Monaco Legend Group's "Exclusive Timepieces & Jewels" auction on July 18/19 2019 as lot 132 for € 76,700.
Produced between 1939 and 1945, the 3525 belongs to the very small and charismatic family of Oyster chronographs. Its robust, almost architectural case earned it the affectionate Italian nickname “Barilotto”, the little barrel, thanks to its rounded, muscular flanks and thick, protective profile.
History is what elevates this reference into legend. During the Second World War, Hans Wilsdorf arranged for Rolex chronographs to be supplied to Allied prisoners of war—most famously at Stalag Luft III—allowing officers to order without immediate payment, trusting honour would prevail. Few gestures carry such quiet dignity, forever linking the 3525 with resilience, hope, and time under extraordinary circumstances. The present example, cased in pink gold, is particularly compelling. The case remains impressively crisp, with strong lugs and well-defined edges, displaying honest surface patina between crown and pushers. The pink dial, in warm patinated tone with matching tachymeter scale, has aged gracefully. Applied pink gold Roman numerals at 12 and 6, dot indexes, and two subsidiary registers create a harmonious, almost monochromatic aesthetic that is both restrained and deeply charismatic.
Rare, historically charged, and preserved in nice condition, this pink gold reference 3525 is a witness to one of the most dramatic chapters of the 20th century.
Condition Report
Create an account or log in to view the condition report!
Auction Preview
MONACO
Hôtel Méridien Beach Plaza, 22 avenue Princesse Grâce
24 April - From 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
25 April - From 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM