Rolex

• cal. 10 1/2’’’ automatic lever movement, super balance • matte silvered dial, applied Arabic numeral at 12, dagger and square indexes, Dauphine hands, subsidiary seconds combined with moon-phases, twin apertures for day and month in Italian, outer ring with date in blue with blued central date hand • stainless steel brushed and polished case, snap-on case back • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex buckle

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be required. The movement is running at the time of cataloguing. Dial in good condition but have been re-silvered, little signs of ageing, hands were not born with the watch. Case with fine scuffing, consistent with age. This wristwatch is a fine example of Rolex's rare triple calendar reference 8171. The watch is in well preserved state and the steel casing retains excellent definition to its angles and edges. The engraved Rolex crown and case number featured to the outside of the case back are clear, these are frequently worn and polished in other examples of the model. Service rotor. **The leather strap of this wristwatch is made from endangered species; please refer to important notices for further information.**
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Reference 8171 was made in a small series and for a very short period of time between 1949 and 1952. Rolex produced only two vintage watch models with moon-phases: the present model, reference 8171, with a snap-on case back, and reference 6062, an Oyster model with a screw-down back. The majority of reference 8171 models were produced in yellow gold, examples in pink gold or, as the present watch, in stainless steel are extremely rare. This lot offers the discerning collector an ideal opportunity to enrich his collection with an exclusive example of this famous and sought-after model. 

A similar example of reference 8171 is described and illustrated in J. Goldberger 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, pp. 76-78.