Read our expert's description
Brand :
Rolex
Collection :
Cellini
Model :
Prince
Reference :
Rolex - 1490
Category :
Wrist Watch
Condition :
Good
Period :
1930's
Movement :
Mechanical
Caliber :
T
Case material :
Silver
Case form :
Rectangle
Dial color :
Two-tone
Reference Detail :
1490 WELL PRESERVED
Clasp type :
Folding clasp
Dimensions :
23.5 mm
Description :
Manufacturer: Rolex;Year: Circa 1930;Reference No: 1490;Movement No: 73’204;Case No: 07’662;Model Name: Prince Brancard;Material: Silver;Calibre: Manual, 15 jewels;Bracelet/Strap: Leather;Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel;Dimensions: 23.5mm width and 43mm length;Catalogue Essay;The Art Deco movement of the early 20th century has been associated with luxury, glamour, exuberance, and modernity. It was an international design movement impacting all walks of life, from architecture and furniture, to jewelry and timepieces. The movement featured bold colorful geometric designs, taking cues from Cubism and Fauvism, and focused on exquisite craftsmanship, using exotic materials like ebony and ivory, and inspiration from far away destinations like China, India, and Persia. It was from this period that the present Rolex Prince Brancard, with its bold style, was designed. Today, Rolex’s Prince, advertised as ‘The Watch for Men of Distinction’, is an icon. Launched by Rolex in 1928, the present example features a rectangular case with flared sides, or ‘brancards’, that, nearly 90 years later, looks as modern today as it did back then. Unlike anything seen before within the world of horology, the case allowed for a larger dial, with an oversized subsidiary seconds dial, making it ideal for measuring a patient’s pulse rate, earning the Prince the nickname, ‘Doctor’s watch’. The exceptional silver example illustrated here retains its original factory finish, and is in lovely condition, with sharp edges, and well-defined bevels throughout. The two-tone dial impresses with its mirror-polished, geometric borders and inner 5-minute track. The Art Deco period was one of exuberance and luxury, and this Rolex Prince is a vibrant example of this wonderfully creative era.