Featuring a long, stylish case and an ultra-high quality mechanism, in many ways these incredible wristwatches set the standard of the day for refinement and accuracy in a rectangular watch.
This rare, Rolex Prince Brancard for Eaton as 1/4 Century Watch is a fine original example of a rare version of one of these watches. Here are a few of the features that make this wristwatch so special:
- So-called Brancard Prince Ref. 1490, a very desirable member of the celebrated Rolex Prince family of watches
- Eaton 1/4 Century Club - These watches were given to employees of the T. Eaton Co. (a prestigious Canadian department store) in recognition of 25 years of continuous service. Besides being a Prince, their rarity also derives from the fact that almost uniquely among Rolex timepieces, the watches display no external "Rolex" branding. The T. Eaton Co. had its origin in a small department store Timothy Eaton opened in Toronto in 1869. The business boomed and in the following years many more stores were opened all over Canada. Each of them published its own catalog and by the early 20th century most families across the country had an Eaton's catalog in the house. By that time the T. Eaton Co. Ltd. was one of the largest retailers in Canada.
- Mechanism officially tested and certified by Swiss government observatory scientists. Movements had to achieve "Super-Excellent" rating throughout the rigorous trials to receive this recognition
- Better quality movement design featuring an oversized winding barrel and balance wheel. By placing this two mechanisms at opposite ends of the movement the watch achieves incredible levels of accuracy and carries a longer power reserve, enabling it to run longer and more accurately on each wind
- Extremely elegant, 14K gold case which makes it appropriate for both casual and dress wear
- Larger, peripheral seconds dial insures the hour and minute hands never obstruct the view of the seconds
It is beautiful original condition down to the dial and all hands.
Its long, flared gold case is just short of mint and still retains strong lines and a clear hallmark. Its iconic, duo-dial Prince face is original. It appears to have been cleaned and re-laquered at some point.
The only replacement part on the watch is the crown. Its high-grade Rolex movement is in beautiful condition.
Several years ago our watchmaker cleaned and oiled the movement. It was purchased from us then and became part of a discerning collection we are now selling from a renowned pediatrician.
Accompanying the watch is a rare period Rolex box and included with the purchase is a 90-day warranty on the movement and its function.
This a rare opportunity to own an exciting historic timepiece most often found only in New York and Geneve offering houses and museums of timekeeping.
Note: A published example of a similar watch can be found in Osvaldo Patrizzi's work Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches, 2001 Edition, Guido Mondani editor, Vol. 2, pg. 10.
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Maker: Rolex
- Serial no.: 284,644
- Year sold: 1944
- Model: Ref. 1490, Rolex Prince Brancard
- Functions: Time, Large subsidiary seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: Solid 14K gold
- Case markings (inside): ROLEX, GENEVE - SUISSE, 31 Victories, precious metal hallmarks
- Case condition: Just short of mint with light previous signs of polishing. Still retains strong lines a clear hallmark.
- Dimensions: 24.5mm wide at widest point, 43mm long lug tip-to-tip
- Dial: Silver, Arabic numerals, signed Eaton 1/4 century club, original. It appears to have been cleaned and re-lacquered.
- Hands: Blue steel, batons, original
- Movement type: Original Rolex, 'Extra Prima' quality (the highest rating for a Rolex movement at the time) 7''' 1/2, rhodium plated, 15 jewels, lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, 6 adjustments, Breguet balance-spring
- Movement markings: Rolex, Extra Prima, 15 rubies, Swiss Made, 1492, Timed 6 Positions, Chronometer
- Jewels: 15 rubies
- Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, with vintage gold plated buckle of unknown origin signed Rolex. Note that the watch now has a correct wider band than it did when the photos were taken.
- Crystal type: Mineral glass, excellent condition
- Servicing: Several years ago our watchmaker cleaned and oiled the movement. It was purchased from us then and became part of the discerning collection of a renowned pediatrician whose collection we are selling.
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system.
- Warranty: 90-day international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
