Vintage Rolex Chronograph 3525 "Monoblocco"

This Rolex chronograph is in overall great, honest vintage condition. The case is in great condition with some scratches, nicks, and normal signs of wear. The case and reference numbers are clearly visible and crisp on the caseback. The coin-edge on the caseback is also crisp. The back of the six o’clock lugs have some small numbers hand-etched and appear to be watchmaker marks. The watch has retained its correct “Patent + Oyster” crown. The top plating of the bottom chronograph pusher has worn off. The black dial is in overall attractive, honest condition and has developed a textured patina throughout. This patina looks partially due to radium burn. The dial has aged in a unique way and has developed patina that looks dark brownish-yellow; it can be hard to tell depending on the lighting. The “Antimagnetic” text on the lower half of the dial is not really visible to the naked eye, but when looking closely/ under a loupe you can see some of it especially when moving the watch on an angle. The hour markers have developed some dark patina. The hands have developed patina and the lume in the minute hand has aged similarly to the lume on the dial; the minute hand also has a small hole in the lume. The hour hand has been partially relumed and has developed patina. The crystal is in good condition with some scratches and wear.

Here we have a lovely Rolex Oyster chronograph from circa 1942. Rolex introduced the ref. 3525 in 1939 and it was the brands first chronograph in an Oyster case. These were available in stainless steel, yellow gold, pink gold, and two-tone configurations. The example we have is of the earlier version with the case and reference numbers on the caseback. The 3525 has been nicknamed the “POW" (Prisoner of War) watch because many of these were purchased by Allied soldiers who were prisoners of war in the German camps durring World War II. Rolex allowed the prisoners to pay for these watches after the war ended. This example has a 186xxx serial number and we have identified multiple other 3525s in this serial range with black dials. This model has also been nicknamed "Monoblocco" meaning that the bezel, case, and lugs were made of one piece of meal with the screw-down caseback and screw down crown, all for waterproofness hence the "Oyster" case. 

This example is coming directly from the family of the original owner and has been well preserved over the years. The original owner was in the Air Force in World War II and wore the watch while serving. The daughter of the original owner remembers her father wearing the watch when she was younger and has fond memories of him in his dark room using the chronograph to assist with developing film. 

We love how the once jet black dial has aged to a lovely blend of black and brown giving it a truly unique look.