77 Rolex An early and refined, Calatrava, manual wristwatch in steel, with radium Arabic numerals and baton indexes dial, reference 2318.

Estimate: € 5.000 –⁠ 10.000

• Model Calatrava
• Year Circa 1930s
• Reference 2318
• Case Material Stainless steel
• Case Number 22'121
• Bracelet Material Stanless steel Rolex bracelet, approximate length 170mm
• Movement Manual, jewelled
• Dimension 30mm Diameter
• Signed Case, dial and movement

A charming and remarkably well-preserved example of Rolex’s early non-Oyster wristwatches, the present reference 2318 embodies the understated elegance of the 1930s. Measuring approximately 30 mm in diameter, its stainless-steel case features elegantly shaped lugs and a refined architecture characteristic of Rolex’s dress watches of the period. Unlike the celebrated Oyster models, the present watch features a conventional snap-on case back, housing a reliable manual-winding movement. The dial retains its original period configuration, with large Arabic numerals alternating with elongated baton indexes. Both numerals and hands are enhanced with radium luminous material, while the subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock reinforces the balanced Art Deco composition. Of particular interest, the reference and case serial number are externally engraved on the case back and remain remarkably deep and legible, an increasingly rare attribute given that such engravings are often softened or lost through polishing. Small in size yet rich in character, the reference 2318 offers a fascinating glimpse into Rolex’s pre-Oyster production, combining an elegant stainless-steel case, attractive luminous dial and traditional hand-wound movement.

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GENEVA
Eternity Gallery Geneva, 19 Place de Longemalle

2 September to 4 September

HONG KONG
Opera Gallery Hong Kong, 1 Duddell Street, Unit 01, 11/F, Central

15 September to 19 September

MILANO
Portrait Milano Hotel, Corso Venezia, 11

2 October to 4 October

BOLOGNA
Time on Show Bologna, Viale della Fiera, 20

22 October to 25 October