Rolex Oyster 3346 Watches index

Details (5 results)

• Sale date : 05/06/2024

  Country : United States

  
  

  Sothebys #N11527 - 2024-06 - Important Watches

  New York

  Lot ID : 128

   

  • USD
  • EUR
  • USD

  Not sold

  • ...
  • ...
  • ...

  Estimation:

  • 50000 - 100000
  • 46607 - 93214
  • 50000 - 100000

  
  

  Brand : Rolex

  Collection : Rolex Oyster

  Model : Oyster

  Reference : Rolex - 3346

  
  

  Category : Wrist Watch

  Period : 1940's

  Watch ID : PAPERS

  Movement : Mechanical

  Caliber : 10 1 / 2''' T

  Case material : Steel

  Reference Detail : 3346 ZEROGRAPH | AN

  
  

  Rolex Reference 3346 Zerograph | An extremely rare and historically important stainless steel single button flyback chronograph wristwatch, Circa 1942

  
  

  Description : Dial: silvered Caliber: cal. 10 1/2''' mechanical, 17 jewels Movement number: 0304 Case: stainless steel, screw down case back Case number: 146’269 Size: 32 mm diameter Signed: case, dial and movement Box: no Papers: no Catalogue Note In the pantheon of rare vintage Rolex wristwatches, there are few that were made in as few numbers as the Ref 3346 ‘Zerograph’. It is thought that the reference was made as an experiment by the brand, and as such, the model never made its way into regular production, the Rolex catalog or any period advertising. It is thought that they were made as prototypes, sent to Rolex distributors for assessment or review but given the miniscule numbers made and the lack of information from Rolex, no one really knows. One of the reasons may be the limitations of the new single button chronograph function. In contrast to conventional chronographs, we're accustomed to today which typically feature two buttons for start, stop, and reset functions, the Zerograph operates differently, more in line with a flyback mechanism. Once wound, its mechanism, including the central sweep chronograph seconds hand runs continuously. Depressing the chronograph button located at 2 o’clock resets the chronograph seconds hand to zero. However, to maintain the chronograph hand at zero, the button must remain pressed. Releasing the button causes the chronograph hand to resume its journey around the dial, distinguishing the Zerograph with its unique functionality. The timing of a single event with the Zerograph involved rotating the bezel to align with the minute hand and resetting the seconds hand to zero using the pusher. This enabled the measurement of elapsed time directly on the bezel, providing a simple yet accurate method for precise timekeeping. Why is the reference 3346 so important? In short, the reference was the brands very first Oyster Chronograph, the very first Rolex in-house chronograph movement, as well as the very first Rolex reference to feature a rotating bezel (not found on a Turn-o-Graph or Submariner for another 15 years). The Zerograph really is the foundation for what we now take for granted from the brand, the genesis of the Oyster Chronograph that culminated in the Daytona. It is impossible to know exactly how many Ref 3346’s were actually made, but a breakdown of the publicly known examples is instructive. It would appear that there were perhaps two production batches, with only 14 digits difference between the first and last known in the second batch. Each one of these have carried different dial configurations and different handsets. Reference 3346 having appeared at auction – ‘Zerographe’ Serial 142’587 Christies, 14 May 2002, lot 48 ‘Centregraph’ Serial 142’589 Monaco Legends, 21 April 2024, Lot 199 ‘Zerographe’ Serial 146’262 Antiquorum, 9 May 2021, Lot 292 ‘Zerographe’ Serial 146’269 Current Watch ‘Zerographe’ Serial 146’271 Antiquorum, 12 November 2006, Lot 365 ‘Zerographe’ Serial 146’275 Antiquorum, 18 January 1992, Lot 41 & Phillips 14 May 2016 Lot 36 ‘Zerographe’ Serial 146’276 Christies, 13 May 2013, Lot 179 ------------------ ‘Centregraph’ Serial unrecorded Christies, 13 June 2001, Lot 211 ‘Centregraph’ Serial unrecorded Antiquorum, 24 April 2004, Lot 100 ‘Centregraph’ Serial unrecorded Serial unrecorded, Sotheby’s, 17 May 2005, Lot 30 The current watch, previously unknown, was recently discovered in the USA, coincidentally in California, which is also the moniker given to this dial configuration. It features luminous Roman numeral hour markers at 1, 2, 10, and 11 o'clock, and Arabic numerals at 4, 5, 7, and 8 o'clock, set against a silvered dial with a red outer track and iconic Rolex ‘Mercedes’ hands. On the dial back, it bears the distinctive Stern Frères stamped numbers of 103 (Stern’s code number for Rolex) and reference 1639 2, alongside the brand's typical embossed star motif. This is a rare opportunity to acquire what truly is a piece of Rolex's history.

  Rolex Reference 3346 Zerograph | An extremely rare and historically important stainless steel single button flyback chronograph wristwatch, Circa 1942

  Minimise description Read our expert's description

  Description : Dial: silvered Caliber: cal. 10 1/2''' mechanical, 17 jewels Movement number: 0304 Case: stainless steel, screw down case back Case number: 146’269 Size: 32 mm diameter Signed: case, dial and movement Box: no Papers: no Catalogue Note In the pantheon of rare vintage Rolex wristwatches, there are few that were made in as few numbers as the Ref 3346 ‘Zerograph’. It is thought that the reference was made as an experiment by the brand, and as such, the model never made its way into regular production, the Rolex catalog or any period advertising. It is thought that they were made as prototypes, sent to Rolex distributors for assessment or review but given the miniscule numbers made and the lack of information from Rolex, no one really knows. One of the reasons may be the limitations of the new single button chronograph function. In contrast to conventional chronographs, we're accustomed to today which typically feature two buttons for start, stop, and reset functions, the Zerograph operates differently, more in line with a flyback mechanism. Once wound, its mechanism, including the central sweep chronograph seconds hand runs continuously. Depressing the chronograph button located at 2 o’clock resets the chronograph seconds hand to zero. However, to maintain the chronograph hand at zero, the button must remain pressed. Releasing the button causes the chronograph hand to resume its journey around the dial, distinguishing the Zerograph with its unique functionality. The timing of a single event with the Zerograph involved rotating the bezel to align with the minute hand and resetting the seconds hand to zero using the pusher. This enabled the measurement of elapsed time directly on the bezel, providing a simple yet accurate method for precise timekeeping. Why is the reference 3346 so important? In short, the reference was the brands very first Oyster Chronograph, the very first Rolex in-house chronograph movement, as well as the very first Rolex reference to feature a rotating bezel (not found on a Turn-o-Graph or Submariner for another 15 years). The Zerograph really is the foundation for what we now take for granted from the brand, the genesis of the Oyster Chronograph that culminated in the Daytona. It is impossible to know exactly how many Ref 3346’s were actually made, but a breakdown of the publicly known examples is instructive. It would appear that there were perhaps two production batches, with only 14 digits difference between the first and last known in the second batch. Each one of these have carried different dial configurations and different handsets. Reference 3346 having appeared at auction – ‘Zerographe’ Serial 142’587 Christies, 14 May 2002, lot 48 ‘Centregraph’ Serial 142’589 Monaco Legends, 21 April 2024, Lot 199 ‘Zerographe’ Serial 146’262 Antiquorum, 9 May 2021, Lot 292 ‘Zerographe’ Serial 146’269 Current Watch ‘Zerographe’ Serial 146’271 Antiquorum, 12 November 2006, Lot 365 ‘Zerographe’ Serial 146’275 Antiquorum, 18 January 1992, Lot 41 & Phillips 14 May 2016 Lot 36 ‘Zerographe’ Serial 146’276 Christies, 13 May 2013, Lot 179 ------------------ ‘Centregraph’ Serial unrecorded Christies, 13 June 2001, Lot 211 ‘Centregraph’ Serial unrecorded Antiquorum, 24 April 2004, Lot 100 ‘Centregraph’ Serial unrecorded Serial unrecorded, Sotheby’s, 17 May 2005, Lot 30 The current watch, previously unknown, was recently discovered in the USA, coincidentally in California, which is also the moniker given to this dial configuration. It features luminous Roman numeral hour markers at 1, 2, 10, and 11 o'clock, and Arabic numerals at 4, 5, 7, and 8 o'clock, set against a silvered dial with a red outer track and iconic Rolex ‘Mercedes’ hands. On the dial back, it bears the distinctive Stern Frères stamped numbers of 103 (Stern’s code number for Rolex) and reference 1639 2, alongside the brand's typical embossed star motif. This is a rare opportunity to acquire what truly is a piece of Rolex's history.
• Sale date : 14/05/2016

  Country : Switzerland

  
  

  Phillips #CH080016 - 2016-05 - Start-Stop-Reset: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs

  Geneva

  Lot ID : 36

   

  • CHF
  • EUR
  • USD

  Sold:

  • 389000
  • 317385
  • 444744

  Estimation:

  • 250000 - 500000
  • 203975 - 407950
  • 285825 - 571650

  
  

  Brand : Rolex

  Collection : Rolex Oyster

  Model : Oyster

  Reference : Rolex - 3346

  
  

  Category :

  Case material : Steel

  Dial color : Black

  Reference Detail : 3346 . MODEL ZEROGRAPHE . AN

  
  

  Rolex

  
  

  Description : Ref. 3346.Model: Zerographe.An extremely rare, attractive and very important sta...

  Rolex

  Minimise description Read our expert's description

  Description : Ref. 3346.Model: Zerographe.An extremely rare, attractive and very important sta...
• Sale date : 13/05/2013

  Country : Switzerland

  
  

  Christies #1395 - 2013-05 - Important watches

  Geneva

  Lot ID : 179

   

  • CHF
  • EUR
  • USD

  Sold:

  • 387750
  • 443315
  • 316365

  Estimation:

  • 250000 - 350000
  • 203975 - 285565
  • 285825 - 400155

  
  

  Brand : Rolex

  Collection : Rolex Oyster

  Model : Oyster

  Reference : Rolex - 3346

  
  

  Category :

  Movement : Mechanical

  Caliber : 10 /

  Case material : Steel

  Case form : Barrel-shaped

  Reference Detail : 3346

  Clasp type : Folding clasp

  Dimensions : 32 MM

  Complications : Chronometre, Flyback

  
  

  Rolex

  
  

  Description : Rolex. An extremely rare, historically important and very attractive stainless steel continuous flyback chronograph wristwatch with black lacquer California dial, revolving bezel, stainless steel bracelet and box.Signed Rolex Oyster, Zerographe, ref. 3346, case no. 146'276, circa 1937.Cal. 10 1/2''' mechanical movement, 17 jewels, Patented Super Balance, black lacquer dial, luminous Roman and Arabic numerals, luminous mercedes hands, central continous chronograph seconds hand, outer gilt railway minute divisions, tonneau-shaped water-resistant-type case, inclined rotating bezel calibrated for 60 units with Arabic five minute divisions and red baton quarters, screw down crown, screw back, single circular flyback chronograph button in the band for start/stop and return-to-zero, stainless steel bracelet and Rolex deployant clasp, case, dial and movement signed.32 mm. diam.

  Rolex

  Minimise description Read our expert's description

  Description : Rolex. An extremely rare, historically important and very attractive stainless steel continuous flyback chronograph wristwatch with black lacquer California dial, revolving bezel, stainless steel bracelet and box.Signed Rolex Oyster, Zerographe, ref. 3346, case no. 146'276, circa 1937.Cal. 10 1/2''' mechanical movement, 17 jewels, Patented Super Balance, black lacquer dial, luminous Roman and Arabic numerals, luminous mercedes hands, central continous chronograph seconds hand, outer gilt railway minute divisions, tonneau-shaped water-resistant-type case, inclined rotating bezel calibrated for 60 units with Arabic five minute divisions and red baton quarters, screw down crown, screw back, single circular flyback chronograph button in the band for start/stop and return-to-zero, stainless steel bracelet and Rolex deployant clasp, case, dial and movement signed.32 mm. diam.
• Sale date : 12/11/2006

  Country : Switzerland

  
  

  Antiquorum #144 - 2006-11 - Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, Pocket Watches, Clocks and Horological Tools

  Geneva

  Lot ID : 365

   

  • CHF
  • EUR
  • USD

  Sold:

  • 59000
  • 48138
  • 67455

  Estimation:

  • 60000 - 80000
  • 48954 - 65272
  • 68598 - 91464

  
  

  Brand : Rolex

  Collection : Rolex Oyster

  Model : Oyster

  Reference : Rolex - 3346

  
  

  Category : Wrist Watch

  Period : 1930's

  Caliber : 10 / HUNTER

  Dial color : Silver

  Reference Detail : 3346

  Thickness : 9.5 mm

  Complications : Chronometre, Flyback, Central second

  
  

  Ref. 3346, Zerograph.Rolex, Oyster, Zerograph, case No. 146271, Ref. 3346. Made in the 1930s..Very fine and important, center seconds gentleman`s wristwatch with push-button.fly-back chronograph.

  
  

  Description : C. Two-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down back and crown, revolving bidirectional inward-tilting bezel.graduated for 60 seconds, with red markers for the quarters, bezel rim with serrated edges. D. Matte silver with.painted yellow dauphine numerals, outer black seconds track, outer red minutes division. Luminous blued steel.skeleton hands. M. Cal. 10 1/2''' hunter, rhodium-plated, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, Superbalance.timed to 6 positions, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator, the single.button on the 2 is for start-stop and return to zero functions of the chronograph..Dial, case and movement signed..Diam. 32 mm. Thickness 9.5 mm..Property of a Genevan Gentleman

  Ref. 3346, Zerograph.Rolex, Oyster, Zerograph, case No. 146271, Ref. 3346. Made in the 1930s..Very fine and important, center seconds gentleman`s wristwatch with push-button.fly-back chronograph.

  Minimise description Read our expert's description

  Description : C. Two-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down back and crown, revolving bidirectional inward-tilting bezel.graduated for 60 seconds, with red markers for the quarters, bezel rim with serrated edges. D. Matte silver with.painted yellow dauphine numerals, outer black seconds track, outer red minutes division. Luminous blued steel.skeleton hands. M. Cal. 10 1/2''' hunter, rhodium-plated, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, Superbalance.timed to 6 positions, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator, the single.button on the 2 is for start-stop and return to zero functions of the chronograph..Dial, case and movement signed..Diam. 32 mm. Thickness 9.5 mm..Property of a Genevan Gentleman
• Sale date : 17/05/2005

  Country : Switzerland

  
  

  Sothebys #GE0502 - 2005-05 - Important Watches and Wristwatches

  Genève

  Lot ID : 30

   

  • EUR
  • EUR
  • USD

  Not sold

  • ...
  • ...
  • ...

  Estimation:

  • 70000 - 90000
  • 57113 - 73431
  • 80031 - 102897

  
  

  Brand : Rolex

  Collection : Rolex Oyster

  Model : Oyster

  Reference : Rolex - 3346

  
  

  Category : Wrist Watch

  Period : 1930's

  Dial color : Two-tone

  Reference Detail : 3346

  Complications : Chronometre, Flyback

  
  

  ROLEX, 'CENTREGRAPH', CIRCA 1935, REF.3346, AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE STAINLESS STEEL SINGLE BUTTON FLY-BACK CHRONOGRAPH WITH TWO TONE DIAL

  ROLEX, 'CENTREGRAPH', CIRCA 1935, REF.3346, AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE STAINLESS STEEL SINGLE BUTTON FLY-BACK CHRONOGRAPH WITH TWO TONE DIAL

  Minimise description Read our expert's description