Rolex Padellone 8171

Rolex Padellone 8171 Padellone Yellow Gold Rare Oyster Bracelet

Basic Info Listing code : NAH0S5 Brand : Rolex Model : Padellone Reference number : 8171 Movement : Automatic Case material : Yellow gold Bracelet material : Yellow gold Year of production : 1952 (Approximation) Condition : Used (Very good) Scope of delivery : Original box, no original papers Gender : Men's watch/Unisex Location : United States of America, Colorado, Boulder Price : 310,000 Availability : Item is in stock Caliber Movement : Automatic Number of jewels : 18 Case Case material : Yellow gold Case diameter : 38 mm Bezel material : Steel Crystal : Plexiglass Dial : Silver Bracelet/strap Bracelet material : Yellow gold Clasp : Buckle Clasp material : Steel Functions Moon phase, Date, Month A ref. 8171 ‘Padellone’ in yellow gold, one of just two vintage Rolex references with a complete calendar and moonphase. The 8171 is lore amongst collectors, one of the most difficult to chase and desirable Rolexes, particularly by condition. This example stands out for its case, which is magnificent, feuille hands, non-luminous dial, and gorgeous dial. The Padellone was made for just 3 short years between 1949 and 1953. In that window, it is widely estimated that fewer than 350 examples were made in yellow gold. It is one of very few truly complicated vintage Rolex references, and, alongside the 6062, one of two references with a moonphase. The Padellone and 6062 stand apart from all other Rolex models, a moment where the brand contemplated full complication and a direction of elegance over utility. Worth Reading: The ref. 8171 Padellone is one of just a few key moments in history where Rolex contemplated complication and a direction of elegant calendars over utility. The 8171 and ref. 6062 and the only two vintage Rolexes with moonphases. Of the two, the Padellone is the stronger and bolder. Nicknamed ‘Padellone’ or frying pan for its thin, flat, and confident 38mm non-Oyster case, it is the least Rolex-like model of all Rolex. The 8171 was made for just 3 years between 1949 and 1953. In that time, fewer than 1200 examples were made across all metals. It is widely estimated that, of these, fewer than 350 yellow gold examples were made. The Padellone is defined by a series of unusual decisions, starting with the dial. Officially argenté, the tone has aged to a champagne cream over time here, with a blue date track. The handset here is feuille, though they can be dauphine. The OCC text on gold examples generally lives in the moonphase, though can be under the apertures. Not only is it 38mm, but the lug is unlike anything. Lug sides were always vertically brushed to a sharp edge, though both are often lost over time. The caseback was satin brushed, sporting both the case number and coronet engraved. Both are often lost, still present here. Where the Killy used a Valjoux 72C, the Padellone used a fully Rolex calibre A295. Roughly 250 examples of the Padellone are well documented today. The non-Oyster back, in conjunction with its correcting pushers, has meant many have aged less gracefully than this one, not restored. Its ageing has been aided by the simple fact that this a non-luminous variant. This dial also has its calendar wheels in Spanish, which is a lovely bonus. Further, this example is really made by its Oyster bracelet. The Padellone has ascended to become one of the most desirable Rolexes ever made, alongside the 6062. Had either sold better, perhaps we might have had Rolex QPs today contending with 3940s. As history actually unfolded, it is not so. But the 8171 remains forever handsome, never burdened with the weight of age. The Padellone and 6062 are the perennially perfect glimpse we actually do have at Rolex pursuing beauty over purpose. Condition: This 8171 is well-preserved, honest, and unrestored. The dial sports light patina in an even, consistent tone. The once eggshell white has moved toward a more champagne or cream color. All printed dial text including the blue date track is present and clear. The edges of the dial show little to no deterioration at all. The Spanish calendar discs have no significant deterioration. The case is full and sharp in a matching state of honest wear. Lugs still have their side and back satin brushing present, with strong edges. On the lug back, the Helvetia hallmark with the ‘G’ for the Geneva bureau de contrôle is present with extremely strong edges. The case sides equally are a perfect satin. The caseback still bears its serial number (7621XX, last two digits removed in caseback photo as well, or mid-1952) and coronet, where most have been lost to time. Occasional wear as seen the caseback brushing lighten over time, as these do just though normal wear, but it is still just present under close inspection. Importantly, the engravings are still present. The crown is correct for this case serial. The stretch-rivet Oyster bracelet dates to 1953, within a half-year of the case, also very well preserved with little play. Calibre A295 is running well in specification on our timing equipment. Service history is unknown, we have chosen not to intervene with a service as timing has not deviated. Specs: This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist, on both the included stretch rivet Oyster bracelet and our Virage Sand Suede Strap (pictured, sold separately). Brand: Rolex Model: Padellone Reference: 8171 Size: 38 Year: 1952 Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Movement: Automatic Calibre 10.5" A295 Scope: Watch Only (Including 1953 Stretch-Rivet Oyster Bracelet)