Exclusive Timepieces 23 – 24 April 2022 | Monaco
Auction Details
A wide and extremely attractive selection of collectible timepieces from leading collectors, such as Goldberger with the third part of the famous “Rolex Connoisseur Collection”. Also offered: an assortment of the most sought-after contemporary watches such as the platinum Patek Philippe Nautilus, some very rare examples of the Royal Oak, a single owner’s collection of extraordinary Stella dials Rolex DayDates.
Session I
Saturday 23 April at 2:30 p.m. – lots 1 to 103
Session II
Sunday 24 April at 10:30 a.m. – lots 104 to 181
Session III
Sunday 24 April at 2:30 p.m. – lots 182 to 273
33 Rolex Very Rare and Glamorous, Bubbleback, Automatic Wristwatch, in Gold, With Beautiful Tobacco-brown Enamel Dial, Reference 3372
Estimate: € 25,000 – 50,000
Sold € 39,000
Model: Bubble back
Reference: 3372
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 1947
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 12
Case N°: 581 120
Dimensions: 32 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case
For many years, the Bubbleback wristwatch was Rolex’s best-selling model and is probably the specimen, together with the Prince, that has been explored the most by Maison: different case designs, use of a wide range of metals, embellished with a variety of dials. The present reference 3372 stands out for all these criteria. Introduced in 1940, at the time of production, the model’s appearance was very unusual but nowadays strikes for its unconventional and charming characteristics. The 18k yellow-gold case is finely preserved with reeded bezel, highlighted by chased hour markers and finely engraved concentric circles. This bezel decoration suffers quickly when polished and the present example displays the original finish with clear definition. The dial is highly unusual as it not only doesn’t present any applied or painted index but, above all, the enamel surface has turned to a magnificent tobacco brown color that incredibly stands out from the yellow-gold case and bracelet combo. In terms of rarity and beauty, this Bubbleback can hardly be matched and is definitely one of the coolest ever appeared to auction in recent times.