SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER CHRONOGRAPHE, ANTIMAGNETIC, REF. 4767, CASE NO. 615'564, MANUFACTURED IN 1948

The present watch is an outstanding example of reference 4767, the first Oyster series triple calendar chronograph model ever presented by Geneva's "crowned" watch manufacturer. Known to have been made in a exceedingly small series in stainless steel, yellow or pink gold only, original and unspoilt examples of this milestone model are extremely rare. In fact, the present reference 4767 is distinguished by its beautiful, original two-tone silvered dial, enhanced by the rarity of the luminous numerals and hands and the astoundingly crisp and unpolished case. In fact, the yellow gold case has accumulated an impressively even level of oxidation, a typical sign for watches which have not been used in a very long time. The connoisseur can consequently easily connect the extraordinarily original and unmolested condition with the fact that the present watch was a "sleeping beauty" for many decades. Furthermore, the gold mark underneath the lower right lug is crisp and the calendar correctors in the band seem unused. Treasures like the present example are rare events in the international collectors arena.

Rolex's celebrated Oyster triple calendar chronograph or "Dato Compax" wristwatch has evolved over twenty years and was made in four different references:

The first, reference 4767 such as the present watch, was introduced into the market in 1947. Already in 1948, reference 4767 was replaced by reference 5036, followed by references 6036 and 6236 (see lot 327 in this auction).

Different versions of reference 4767 in regard to case material and dial layout are illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 372 - 375, and in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, p. 88.