Rolex

Rolex has never been known for making highly complicated watches and is mostly known for its tool watches. However, one of the most iconic Rolex models ever produced, is the complicated reference 8171 which is commonly referred to by collectors as the ‘Padellone’, which means ‘big frying pan’ in Italian, a reference not only to the size of the watch but its convex dial. Boasting a generous 38 mm case, it was extraordinarily modern in size and was a fair bit ahead of its time in this regard. Released in the 1949, a year before the reference 6062, the 8171 and 6062 represent among the most complicated watches manufactured by Rolex at the time and are the only two vintage Rolex references produced in serial with a calendar and moon-phase. The main difference between the two is that the 6062 features a 36 mm case with a screw down case back. While the 8171, like the present watch, is fitted with a snap on back and a 38 mm case. Despite its highly complicated movement, the watch is aesthetically pleasing. On the outer bezel it has the numbers for the calendar, indicated by a third hand in the center. At 6 o’clock, the watch shows the moon-phase in its sub-seconds dial, with the day and month wheels at 12 o’clock, just under the Rolex crown.

Produced until only 1952, scholars believe that no more than 350 examples of the 8171 were made in yellow gold.

For a stainless steel version, please see lot 46.