CIRCA: 1930s
REF.: 971
CASE NUMBER: 73496
CASE MATERIAL: 9K yellow and white gold
CASE DIMENSIONS: 23mm x 36mm
DIAL: Two-tone silver with Arabic luminous hour markers, small seconds subregister
BRACELET MATERIAL: Brown alligator strap
BRACELET SIZE: 6-3/4 to 8 inches
MOVEMENT: Manual wind
FUNCTIONS: Time only
CALIBER: 300 7 1/2"
Originally debuted in 1928, the Rolex Prince was a fabulously accurate watch for the period. So accurate in fact, it was given the nickname of "Doctor's Watch" for its ability to time a heartbeat. The reference was successfully marketed to professionals as a "tool" watch as well as being quite fashionable with its stepped case and deco-style dial. The present well maintained example is a beautiful watch to own.
Condition
Dial with some darkening and few spots resulting from age. Hands in excellent condition. Luminous material on the dial appears original to the watch, has darkened with age, and is in good condition. Case in very good condition with few scratches; reference and case number engravings still sharp on the caseback. Movement running at time of cataloging. Overall in very nice vintage condition
Any reference to condition in a condition report will not include a full description of condition, and for example, may not specify all faults, alteration, adaptation, mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, or dial. Colors and shades may look different online or in printed materials than they look on physical inspection, and images may not clearly show the condition of a lot. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot in person and make their own evaluation of the lot. They must understand that any statement made by Fortuna Auction LLC ("Fortuna") is merely a subjective, qualified statement and does not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Fortuna. All dimensions in catalog descriptions are approximate. No warranties are made that watches in water-resistant cases are currently water-resistant. Fortuna does not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets or leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts.
Pre-owned watches, unless still in original packaging or never worn, will likely have some degree of wear and scratches. This should be expected for many of the watches offered in auction. Even if a watch is running and keeping time, bidders and buyers should expect that all movements will require maintenance. Fortuna recommends that all successful buyers promptly take their watches to a professional watchmaker for evaluation.
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