Phillips is auctioning 16 rare Rolex chronographs from the collection of renowned collector and publisher Pucci Papaleo as part of The Geneva Watch Auction: XXIV. This selection, spanning from the 1930s to the 1970s, represents the first part of Papaleo's approximately 70-piece Rolex chronograph collection, highlighting early Oyster chronographs, waterproof models, and Cosmograph Daytonas, many in exceptional, unpolished condition.
- Auction date: November 7-8
- Location: Hotel President Wilson, Geneva
The collection includes 16 Rolex chronographs dating from the 1930s to the 1970s, with many pieces described as unpolished.
Pucci Papaleo is a significant figure in the vintage Rolex collecting world, having authored reference books and curated previous auctions.
The auction features early examples like a ref. 3525 from circa 1940 with a double-signed 'Prouds Sydney' dial and a ref. 3335 in pink gold from circa 1941 with a Monetti retailer signature.
Notable Daytona models include a ref. 6239 from circa 1969 with a 'Paul Newman Musketeer' dial and a ref. 6264 from circa 1970 in 14k yellow gold with a 'Paul Newman Lemon' dial.
A rare yellow gold ref. 3830 with a champagne dial signed by Verga, Milan retailer, is also part of the sale, being the only known example of the reference to have sold at auction.