ROLEX

ROLEX, SWITZERLAND, REF. 8029, PRECISION, RETAILED BY SERPICO Y LAINO, STAINLESS STEEL A fine and very rare, large, stainless steel, manual wind wristwatch Brand: Rolex, switzerland Model: Precision Reference: 8029 Year: circa 1950's Caliber: 10 1/2''', 17 jewels Bracelet: stainless steel Rolex buckle Diameter: 37.2 Signature: dial, case and movement Grading System: AAA (Excellent) Case: 3-6-8 (Good , Slightly oxidized , Slightly scratched) Dial: 3-6-8-01 (Good , Slightly oxidized , Slightly scratched , HANDS Original) Movement: 3* (Good , Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense) EUR: 13,200 - 22,000 HKD: 118,000 - 198,000 CHF: 12,500 - 20,800 JPY: 2,370,000 - 3,950,000 Among the more elusive Rolex dress watches of the 1950s, reference 8029 is remarkable first for its proportions. Measuring 37.2 mm, it was exceptionally large by the standards of its era, giving the watch a presence more commonly associated with contemporary wristwatches than with the restrained dress models produced by Rolex during the period. The present example acquires considerably greater interest through its association with Serpico y Laino, the celebrated Caracas retailer whose name is closely linked to some of the most desirable vintage watches supplied to the Venezuelan market. Particularly noteworthy is the caseback, which retains both the Rolex crown and serial number together with the “Serpico Y Laino Acero” inscription, an unusual and important detail identifying the watch as a stainless steel example retailed by the firm. Its restrained dial and manually wound calibre 10 1/2''' stand in deliberate contrast to the unusually broad case. The result is a watch of striking simplicity, where rarity comes not from complication but from an uncommon combination of scale, material and retailer provenance. Very few examples of reference 8029 have appeared publicly over the past two decades. With its oversized stainless steel case and documented Serpico y Laino connection, the present watch represents a particularly unusual chapter in Rolex’s mid-century production. Another newly discovered timepiece by Rolex, the reference 8029 is extremely rare with only a very few examples having appeared at auction in the last 20 years. The equivalent to the Patek Philippe reference 570, this examples differs from most having been retailed by Serpico Y Laino. Amazingly the caseback still shows the Rolex crown and serial number as well as a Serpico Y Laino Acero inscription. Without a doubt one of the most important time only oversize stainless steel Rolexes ever produced.

Estimate:£11,325.82

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