Rolex

• automatic nickel lever movement, 18 jewels • gilt dial, applied gilt faceted arrow indexes, luminescent hands, magnified aperture for date, centre seconds • Oyster case, screw-down crown and back, engraving to case back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet and folding clasp

The movement is running while cataloguing, however it may require a service in the near future. The dial shows a hairline at 10 o'clock, a few spots on the outer scale and on around the writ ting between 5 and 7 o'clock. Ref. between lugs 6305, serial n°88758. Case back engraved "Konrad Adenauer" and coat of Arms. Important notice regarding importation of Rolex watches into the United States: Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the USA because US law restrict the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale.
"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."

Accompanied by a Rolex folder with a letter from Hans Wilsdorf to Konrad Adenauer dated 1955 and presentation case.

This watch being accompanied with a letter of explanation from Rolex's founder Hans Wilsdorf is extremely rare. The letter possibly reflects the proudness which Hans Wilsdorf felt, himself originally from Germany, to present and explain the functions of the watch to the German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer.

Konrad Adenauer, born in 1876, he was the first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany between 1949 – 63.

Adenauer's achievements include the establishment of a stable democracy in West Germany and a lasting reconciliation with France. In 1963 he met the French president Charles de Gaulle on the occasion of the Élysée Treaty, or the Treaty of Friendship, at which point the reconciliation between the two countries was finally sealed.

Konrad Adenauer is also today considered as the man who brought back stability and prosperity to his country, as well as a truly free and democratic society. In recognition of his efforts, he was named in 1953 "Man of the Year" by Time Magazine.

He died on 19 April 1967 in his family home near the city of Bonn. This treasured timepiece presented to him in 1955 and which was always on his wrist for the last years of his life was well preserved by his descendants with the original letter signed by Hans Wilsdorf and leather folder from the period.