Rolex

• manual winding nickel lever movement, 17 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance • silvered dial, applied Arabic and dagger indexes, engine-turned subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30-minute register, outer minute and 1/5 second track, outermost telemeter scale in red and tachometer • 18k pink polished and satin-finished Oyster case with screw-down crown and case back • case, dial and movement signed • with 18k pink gold 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 require. The movement is running and the chronograph is functioning at the time of cataloguing. There are some small spots to the edge of the dial between 3 and 4 but overall in good condition. The case is in good condition. **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 4500 is one of the very few Oyster chronograph models produced by Rolex to feature only a 30-minute register and not an additional 12-hour counter. This renders the watch a smoother, more subtle and less sporty design, a look that is more usually associated with watches such as Patek Philippe's celebrated reference 1463.
The present chronograph is a very well preserved example of reference 4500 and is certainly one of the most exclusive and attractive examples in pink gold to have appeared at public auction in recent years. Reference 4500 was launched in the 1940s and was available in yellow gold, pink gold, stainless steel and in stainless steel and gold.
Various models of reference 4500 are described and  illustrated  in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 206 - 221.