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1932 Rolex Vintage Mens Borgel / Taubert Cased Hermetic Watch - Stainless Steel
$12,495
£9,271.77
€10,800.35
CA$17,393.13
A$19,368.82
CHF 10,080.40
MX$238,815.21
NOK 128,381.61
SEK 120,666.27
DKK 80,583.99
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About the Item
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU?
We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating on other online sites.
1932 Vintage Mens Borgel / Taubert Cased Hermetic Watch - Stainless Steel
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU?
1932 ROLEX Vintage Mens Borgel / Taubert Cased Hermetic Watch - Stainless Steel
Exceedingly Interesting & Historical - Serviced by Former Rolex Watchmaker
Today's offering showcases this exceedingly interesting early Rolex housed in a very rare early Borgel waterproof case.
We don't know this watch's history with certainty so must speculate based on a single known example of a Vacheron with the same case, in 18K gold that came up for sale in 1994.
This watch seems to be an exceedingly rare and possibly unique watch - perhaps even a prototype made by Rolex or for Rolex by Borgel / Taubert & Fils as example made to try to secure a contract for this special waterproof case. As far as we know, it is the only known example of a Rolex with this special Borgel / Taubert & Fils case. The matching period of the movement and dial to the c. 1932 case and the fit of the movement in the case all suggest the watch's originality, but there is no way to know with certainty.
The case has a fantastic almost space-age looks case whose appearance was far ahead of its time. Its highly faceted lugs were presumably designed to complement the deca-faceted bezel with early screwed down design to give water-resistance.
Its unusual design with 10-sided bezel was a 1932 patent of Taubert & Fils case manufacturers in Geneva, and was used by Vacheron & Constantin in one known example and by Longines. For all but the most dedicated early waterproof case connoisseurs, Taubert is probably not a familiar name. They took over the famous Borgel waterproof case pioneers in 1924, who made the early Submarine, Hermetic, and Semi-Hermetic cases for Rolex as they were busy developing their Oyster case.
We were fortunate to acquire it in what appears to be all-original condition.
Its exceedingly rare case is in truly exceptional condition with perfectly crisp facets. It shows only very light wear and only the slightest signs of previous polishing.
Its original dial has developed a deep "tropical" patina from its near century of existence and interaction with radium.
One of our Master Watchmakers, 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, has fully serviced the watch which consists 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 $795 value).
Included in the listing is a period ad for this case, a photo of the patent listing, and a photo of the Vacheron from the company's archive alongside a Longines and the one known V & C example. The Antiquorum auction listing for the one-known Vacheron with this case can be found here.
Accompanying it is a dark brown NATO style strap that was on the watch when we acquired it. Please inquire if you would like a different strap installed.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
Don't miss the chance to add this unusual watch to your distinguished collection.
Detailed Appraisal:
Manufacturer: Rolex
Country of origin: Switzerland
Year built: c. 1932
Serial no.: 1430
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Stainless steel
Case markings (inside): F.B. (see above for information regarding Francois Borgel), Brevet + (French for "patent"), Staybrite Stainless Steel, 1430
Case condition: Truly exceptional condition with perfectly crisp facets. It shows only very light wear and only the slightest signs of previous polishing.
Dimensions: 29mm wide (excluding crown), 36mm long lug tip-to-tip
Dial: Silver with formerly luminous Arabic numerals, sunken seconds dial, outer railroad minute track, signed Rolex, original and untouched with much patina
Hands: Original, blued steel luminous
Movement type: High grade, Super Balance', signed Rolex and Swiss made, 15 ruby jewels
Movement markings: Rolex, Swiss Made, 15 Rubis
Band: Dark brown NATO strap that was on the watch when we acquired it, like new
We also stock a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
Band width: 16mm
Crystal: Mineral glass, excellent condition
Servicing: One of our Master Watchmakers, 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, has fully serviced the watch which consists 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 $795 value).
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
SKU 8985
- Creator:
- Case Material:
- Strap Material:Stainless Steel
- Case Shape:Round
- Movement:
- Case Dimensions:Height: 1.42 in (36 mm)Width: 1.15 in (29 mm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1932
- Condition:Its exceedingly rare case is in truly exceptional condition with perfectly crisp facets. Its original dial has developed a deep "tropical" patina from its near century of existence and interaction with radium.
- Seller Location:Suwanee, GA
- Reference Number:Seller: 89851stDibs: LU4333226718072
Rolex
While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.
Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.
But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.
But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.
Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.
The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.
Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.
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