Rare 1953 Rolex Monometer Up For Auction

Last week we told you about a rare set of jeweled Patek Philippe timepieces going under the gavel in Geneva, Switzerland. Today, we’re taking a look at another rare lot from Antiquorum’s upcoming “Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces” auction. The event, which will take place at the Hotel Richemond Geneva on March 17th, will include the sale of the first Rolex Submariner; the Monometer.

This timepiece, reference 6202, is considered to be the pre-cursor of the iconic Submariner, the first watch guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metros (330 feet). The Monometer, equipped with the same graduated rotating bezel used on today’s Submariner to indicate diving time, is housed in an oyster Turnograph case. Only four of these ultra-rare models have been seen on the market in the last twenty years.

Bought new in 1953, this watch has been carefully cared for, being exclusively serviced by Rolex in 1962, 1965, 1967, and for a last time in 1990. The 35mm-diameter case is polished and brushed, with a screwed-down caseback and crown. On the black dial are triangular, round and baton luminous indexes, with gilt baton hands and lollipop second hands. At the heart of this watch is a rhodiumed caliber A260 movement with fausses côtes decoration, straight line lever escapement, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring and index regulator.

This exceptional timepiece, which presents the rare opportunity to complete an early Submariner collection, is expected to fetch between US$33,000 – US$45,000.

Source and photos courtesy Antiquorum.