87 - Rolex - POW (Prisoners of War)

Rolex - POW (Prisoners of War) (*) A very attractive, rare vintage wrist chronograph with a black tachymeter scale and a blue telemeter scale—the so-called "Barilotto"—one of the first chronographs produced by Rolex. The watch is in excellent condition and features a charming, vintage dial. Based on the serial number, it can be assumed that this is a “POW” watch (“Prisoners of War”), which Rolex supplied free of charge to British officers held as prisoners of war by the German army during World War II Ref. 4048, Cal. Valjoux 13, Case No. 206354, Dimensions 35 mm, circa 1942, Origin: Switzerland, Original box Case: Steel, screw-down back marked 4048 with the letters “SAR” beneath a crown, screw-down vintage “Oyster Patent” winding crown, original pushers, later-added folded steel bracelet (aftermarket), Rolex clasp dated 2/66, total length 170 mm. Dial: Silvered; beautifully patinated; blued hands with luminous filling. Movement: Manual-winding. The Rolex reference 4048 ranks among the rarest and earliest Oyster chronographs produced by the brand. Manufactured for only a short period, it is considered the first Rolex chronograph to feature three subsidiary dials in a waterproof Oyster case. Even with this technical advancement, the watch retained the rounded, elegant “Calatrava-style” silhouette of its predecessors. Because of the large and robust case, collectors later nicknamed it “Barilotto.” It is believed that fewer than 100 examples were produced, all of them in stainless steel. The example described here features a rare telemeter scale in miles and remains in remarkably fine condition: the case shows well-defined edges and sharp lugs, while the original screw-down “Oyster Patent” crown with the Swiss cross is a detail that has survived only rarely. Over time, the unrestored, original, silvered dial has developed an attractive patina, which lends the watch a distinctive character. Together with the original engravings on the case back and movement—including “Fab. Suisse” and “Swiss Made”—this piece underscores the historical significance of reference 4048 as one of the most sought-after models among early Rolex chronographs. Case: very good, worn. Dial: very good, slightly oxidized. Movement: very good, capable of running, cleaning recommended. Please note that leather straps made from endangered or protected species—such as alligator, crocodile, or lizard—are used in our catalog or on our website for illustrative purposes only. For customs-related reasons, such straps cannot be shipped outside the EU.