1938 Rolex Art Deco Mens "Prince Elegante" Rectangular Watch - 14K Gold
In the 1930's after developing their famous Oyster case and before making the transition to specializing in mostly sport watches, Rolex crafted their Prince line of watches to meet the needs of their exclusive clientele.
The rare and sought-after wristwatch ref. 3531 featured in today's offering is an example of one of those pieces, a member of the acclaimed Rolex Prince family, a Prince Elegante. Powered by Rolex's celebrated tonneau movement, considered one of the finest rectangular mechanisms built, it easily kept perfect time.
Here are a few of the features that make this wristwatch special:
Prince Elegante model, a member of the celebrated Rolex Prince family of watches
Elegant and distinguished aesthetic. The blued steel hands contrast the light gold dial.
Better quality movement featuring an oversized winding barrel and balance wheel. By placing this two mechanisms at opposite ends of the movement the watch achieves incredible levels of accuracy and carries a longer power reserve, enabling it to run longer and more accurately on a single wind
Solid gold balance screws and high quality escapement insure exceptional timekeeping
Shapely and refined solid 14K gold case that seems to have a light rose tone.
It has all of its original parts except for the crown, which was replaced in vintage times. Its dial has been previously restored by one of the leading dial experts in North Amerca. There is slight bending on the top left corner - otherwise it presents as mint.
Two of our team of Master Watchmakers, including one who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, worked to restore the movement and have fully serviced the watch which consisted of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, installing a new mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $995 value).
It is running very strong and true, keeping time nearly on par with a new Rolex in our testing recording position.
For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a brand new alligator strap and aftermarket Rolex buckle making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
The serial number of this watch is 56,498. We recently sold another 3531 that was made two watches after this one, number 56,500.
Manufacturer: Rolex
Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the British market
Serial no.: 56,500
Year built: c. 1938
Model: Prince Elegante, reference number 3531
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: 14K gold that seems to have a slight rose tone
Case markings (inside): Rolex, 31 Victoires, De Haute Precision, Geneve, Swiss, .585 (14K),
Case condition: Excellent condition with fairly light signs of previous polishing
Dial: Light gold color, signed Rolex Chronometer, black painted Roman and baton indices, previously restored by one of the leading dial experts in North Amerca, slight bending on the top left corner - otherwise it presents as mint
Dimensions: 22mm wide (excluding crown), 38mm long lug tip-to-tip
Hands: Original, blue steel, "batons"
Movement type: Very high quality, signed Rolex, 15 jewels, rhodium plated, oversized balance wheel and winding barrel for enhanced accuracy and longer power reserve, gold balance screws, gold jewel chatons, precision finished escapement
Movement markings: Rolex, Swiss Made, Fifteen Rubies
Band: Alligator, fully stitched, padded, brand new, fitted with an aftermarket gold-tone buckle done in a Rolex style
Crystal: Mineral glass, excellent condition
Serviced: Two of our team of Master Watchmakers, including one who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, worked to restore the movement and have fully serviced the watch which consisted of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, installing a new mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $995 value).
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system.
Warranty: 1-year C.O.T. international warranty. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. As mentioned, one used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
