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Lot Essay
Reference 4537 is considered amongst the rarest gems in the Rolex Oyster chronograph family. Made during a very short period only, it was the first chronograph by Rolex with three subsidiary dials and the modernized "tonneau-shaped" Oyster case. In fact, it replaced reference 4048 which still featured the more round "Calatrava-style" case.
The present reference 4537 has survived in remarkably crisp overall condition with the case showing hardly any signs of polishing. The serial and reference number in between the lugs are very crisp and the original dial that has no signs of cleaning or cosmetic interventions. Furthermore, the original crown remains present.
Research reveals that Rolex produced probably no more than 100 watches of this reference, both the steel and gold version combined. Its rarity is underlined by the fact that during the last 20 years of international auction, we have not seen more than a handful examples of this model in gold. Rolex chronographs or such rarity, especially when offered in such condition, are opportunities not to be missed.
A predecessor of reference 6034, reference 4537 was available in yellow gold, pink gold and in stainless steel.
Different examples of reference 4537 are described and illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 222-227, and in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, p. 112.
The present reference 4537 has survived in remarkably crisp overall condition with the case showing hardly any signs of polishing. The serial and reference number in between the lugs are very crisp and the original dial that has no signs of cleaning or cosmetic interventions. Furthermore, the original crown remains present.
Research reveals that Rolex produced probably no more than 100 watches of this reference, both the steel and gold version combined. Its rarity is underlined by the fact that during the last 20 years of international auction, we have not seen more than a handful examples of this model in gold. Rolex chronographs or such rarity, especially when offered in such condition, are opportunities not to be missed.
A predecessor of reference 6034, reference 4537 was available in yellow gold, pink gold and in stainless steel.
Different examples of reference 4537 are described and illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 222-227, and in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, p. 112.