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Lot Essay
Reference 8171, an epitome of pure aesthetics, is distinguished by the for the period very large diameter of 38 mm, harmoniously combining clean case lines and the sophisticated, elegant dial, a style classic in its purity. The model was in production in a small series between 1949 and 1952, mostly in yellow gold. Examples in stainless steel or in pink gold are very rare.
The present "Padellone" or "Big Pan" as it is affectionately called by collectors, stands out by its attractive overall condition, combining the rare and sought after pink gold case with a silvered sunburst-finished dial, officially referred to as "cadran soleil argent".
Cherished by its owners and regularly serviced, the gold marks to the left band and to the outside of the snap on back are still visible. The dial has most likely never been subject to a restoration, underlined by the uniform, pale champagne-colored patina and the evenly discolored luminous material to the dots and hands, all in accordance with the age. A further and maybe the most important evidence for its originality are the sharp and angular apertures for the month and weekday indications, a feature which is regrettably lost when such a dial is refinished.
The "Padellone" offered here for sale does not hide its age but on the contrary underlines the statement that vintage Rolexes are the most rewarding collectors watches of all times.
The present "Padellone" or "Big Pan" as it is affectionately called by collectors, stands out by its attractive overall condition, combining the rare and sought after pink gold case with a silvered sunburst-finished dial, officially referred to as "cadran soleil argent".
Cherished by its owners and regularly serviced, the gold marks to the left band and to the outside of the snap on back are still visible. The dial has most likely never been subject to a restoration, underlined by the uniform, pale champagne-colored patina and the evenly discolored luminous material to the dots and hands, all in accordance with the age. A further and maybe the most important evidence for its originality are the sharp and angular apertures for the month and weekday indications, a feature which is regrettably lost when such a dial is refinished.
The "Padellone" offered here for sale does not hide its age but on the contrary underlines the statement that vintage Rolexes are the most rewarding collectors watches of all times.