Rolex 8171 Padellone stainless steel 1950

Rolex 8171 Padellone, a very rare wristwatch and the most complicated vintage Rolex wristwatch ever made. The Rolex 8171 Padellone has been produced in small amounts between 1949 and 1952. With it’s 38mm case size it was considered as a very large and unusual wristwatch nicknamed ‘Paddelone’ by the Italians. Today the Rolex 8171 Padellone is known as one of the most mythical, rare and sought after vintage Rolex models. Since the Rolex Padellone is a non waterproof wristwatch not so many examples have survived in great condition. The example we offer for sale remains in very good condition and has been professionally restored to be worn another few decades.

This Rolex 8171 Padellone

This example of the Rolex 8171 Padellone remains in very attractive and original condition. The dial of the watch remains unrestored and untouched, it shows an even and proportionate patina and little signs of wear, nevertheless its bright colors on the date track are in amazing shape and the condition is how we expect a 75 year old watch to be. Unfortunately many great examples have been ruined by watchmakers and dial restorers in the past when those actions where still demanded by customers. Today watch collectors are looking for great condition vintage timepieces with untouched and unrestored dials. The specimen we offer for sale has one of the most attractive unrestored dials and amazingly well preserved and sharp case. The movement has been fully serviced recently and the service and components of the watch are all carefully documented.

Features and production figures of the Rolex 8171

The Rolex Padellone is the only vintage Rolex model with a full calendar and moonphase. The reference 8171 has been made in three metals from which the steel models are most sought after. From and estimated production of 1.000 pieces in 3 years around 250 examples are made in steel, 600 in yellow gold and another 150 pieces in pink gold. Since they had no waterproof case system many examples have been ruined over the years or their dials and movements destroyed by waterdamage. For this reason the 8171 Padellone is a true collectors watch which should not been worn with heavy weather or sporty activities. The calendar function and moonphase are set with the buttons at both sides of the case. All functions are working properly and the watch comes with 2 years of guarantee.

This Rolex 8171 Padellone is really an amazing find, with its sharp case and amazing dial the watch can be proudly worn, for my personal feeling the few 10/10 models are already in important collections and if they change hands in public prices are above 1 milion. With todays techniques it is also not unthinkable that some mint looking examples are restored artificially to look like they have left the factory yesterday. Not the case with the watch we offer for sale, it remains in a very great and well restored condition without loosing its original charme and elements.

Prices of the Rolex Paddelone have always reached high amounts and even some world records during the years. The condition is the key to the value collectors are willing to pay for a watch. For example this almost new example described here and sold at Phillips in 2019.

Vintage Times

Feel free to reach out to us with any questions about this rare Rolex gem. We are happy to share more information, pictures and discuss (trade) offers.

Vintage Times Amsterdam is a small watch boutique who mainly deals online and with a select group of private collectors. We are constantly looking for rare vintage timepieces and try to present the best condition available. Please don’t hesitate to get in contact for more information about this watch or other timepieces from our collection. We ship worldwide and also welcome you for a visit at our office in Amsterdam

Vintage Times

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