Rolex

REF 3525 'MONOBLOCCO' A RARE STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH REGISTERS AND BRACELET CIRCA 1942

Rolex

Dial: glossy black gilt
Caliber: manual winding movement, 17 jewels
Case: stainless steel, solid screw down case back
Case number: 186144
Closure: stainless steel Rolex rivet bracelet
Size: diameter 35 mm, bracelet circumference approximately 180 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement

Provenance:
The Rolex ref 3525 is rarely seen in the market today but represents an early and historically important model from the manufacturer. Produced for only about six years from 1939-1945, Ref. 3525 is the first Rolex chronograph fitted in a water resistant Oyster case and is the model Hans Wildorf sent to English officers who were imprisoned during WWII. The model was produced in stainless steel, pink and yellow gold or two toned steel and gold.

Various versions of reference 3525 are described and illustrated in Goldberger J., 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, pp. 96-107