Rolex Ref. 8171 "Padellone", n ° 686184
photo: artcurial
Steel bracelet watch with complete calendar and moon phases
Case: round, clipped back, 4 correctors on the middle, back engraved with Rolex crown and numbered, signed
Dial: patina, index "ear" applied, indication of the date by arrow hand, and of the days and months at windows (French), small second hand with opening for the phases of the moon, signed
Movement: automatic cal. 10'1 / 2, 18 rubies, signed
Diam. : 38 mm
photo: artcurial
Provenance: Acquired in the early 1950s by the original owner and kept in the same family since, by descent to the current owner
A stainless steel automatic wristwatch with triple calendar and moon phases indication
Bought at the beginning of 50's by the original owner, family inheritance
Considered by amateurs and specialists as one of the most beautiful watches of the 50s, this model has been nicknamed by Italian collectors "Padellone" in reference to its large size and balanced proportions unusual for the time, and today in perfect harmony with market demand.
In the 1950s, Rolex mainly focused on the development of sports watches, like the Submariner launched in 1953, but also the reference 8171 and then 6062, which have become icons in the vintage world today.
The reference 8171 was the first in production, and is distinguished by its technical characteristics: a complete calendar and phases of the moon, display of days and months by window, date on the railway.
With a very low serial number, it is part of the first series-produced between 1949 and 1950. We know very few examples to date that have reached us in such a beautiful state of conservation, and rare are those that have since been kept in the same family, like our copy.
