ROLEX. A FINE AND RARE 18K GOLD HUNTER CASE WRISTWATCH

SIGNED ROLEX, "SPORTING PRINCE", REF. 1879/1599, RETAILED BY COOKE AND KELVEY, CIRCA 1931

Details

ROLEX. A FINE AND RARE 18K GOLD HUNTER CASE WRISTWATCH
Signed Rolex, "Sporting Prince", Ref. 1879/1599, Retailed by Cooke And Kelvey, circa 1931
With nickel-finished Extra Prima observatory quality movement, 15 jewels, bi-metallic compensation balance, timed to 6 positions, silvered multi-tonal dial with Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds, inner metal case all hinged into the gold engine-turned case in the form of a match safe, the front lid with raised monogram beneath the Pakistan symbol of the star and crescent, monogram repeated and engraved on back, case, dial and movement signed, case stamped with Glasgow import marks for 1931, also further stamped with various patents for Great Britain, U.S.A., France and Italy, with 18k gold Rolex buckle
40mm length

Lot Essay

The present wristwatch is a rare example of the "Sporting Prince", designed by Hans Wilsdorf and registered in Switzerland on December 26, 1929. By employing a hunter case, the movement and dial were protected from potential damage resulting from sporting activities like golf or polo. Furthermore, as demand from India and East Asia increased, such hunter case wristwatches would provide an early method of avoiding the introduction of dirt, dust and water, later solved by the invention of the "Oyster". The location of the retailer in Calcutta and the Pakistan monogram further attests to such practicalities and necessities of use.

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