ROLEX REF 8171 TRIPLE DATE MOONPHASE PADELLONE STEEL CIRCA 1949

The Rolex reference 8171 is one of the most acclaimed and well proportioned watches to be produced by Rolex. Incredibly sought after by collectors, the “Padellone” nicknamed by Italian collectors for its important dimensions in relation to the time period (1949-1952) and only in about 1,000 examples in steel, yellow or pink 18k gold. Large men’s watches during this time were considered to be about 35mm, making the size of the 8171 relativity new.

Three-body stainless steel case measures 38mm in diameter. Recessed push-buttons allow for the adjustment of the calendar. The button at the 2 o’clock updates the month, 4 o’clock updates the date, 8 o’clock the moon phases and at the 10 o’clock the day of the week. Nicknamed the “Push-Back Case”, the steel caseback is fixed to the Carrure” with a pressure system; hence the name push-back case.

Original untouched white dial with yellow gold hour markers and dauphine hands has the typical layout of a complete calendar for the time period. In fact, the dial only came in white for the steel model. Two small windows for the day of the week and the month at the top of the dial. Just above the 6 o’clock is the subdial for the seconds and moon phases; the date is shown on the outer ring of the dial.

Movement for this watch is the Rolex 10 ½ surrounded by an anti-magnetic metal ring. Chronometer certification was almost always reserved for the models made in gold.

This is a rare opportunity to add such an esteemed watch to your collection.