One of Two Vintage Rolex Models With a Moonphase Complication
Rolex Padellone 8171 / Credit: Bob’s Watches
Rolex has never been known for making highly complicated watches, and there are often debates in Facebook groups as to whether or not Rolex is truly high horology or simply ‘strong’ horology. Rolex is mostly known for its tool watches, which are still the most sought after in the world; with waiting lists often going for years. However, Rolex did in fact make complicated watches, particularly in the mid-20th century, one of which was the Rolex ‘Padellone’ ref. 8171.
The vintage Rolex Padellone was one of the only two triple calendar moonphase watches made by Rolex in the 20th century. The Padellone, or ref. 8171, was in fact released in 1949; the year before the release of its contemporary, the Rolex ‘Stelline’ ref. 6062. This would make it the first of the two triple calendar moonphase watches made by Rolex during that time period.
Rolex Padellone Reference 8171 / Credit: SJX Watches
‘Padellone’ means ‘big frying pan’ in Italian, and the 8171 got this nickname due to its large size for the time and circular shape. Despite its highly complicated nature, the watch is extremely aesthetically pleasing. On the outer bezel it has the numbers for the calendar, indicated by a third hand in the center. At 6 o’clock, the watch shows the moonphase in its sub-seconds dial, with the day and month should at 12 o’clock, just under the Rolex-signed crown.
The vintage Rolex Padellone 8171 featured a Caliber A295 CPL, which had 18 jewels with a nickel finish and a Breguet spring. Although it is not certain, less than 1,000 are said to have been made; making this watch extremely rare. These low production numbers are also a result of being produced for only a brief period of a few years, until approximately 1952.
At the Phillips’ Geneva Auction in May 2019, an 18K yellow gold vintage Rolex Padellone 8171 sold for 980,000 CHF. A few months later, at Phillips’ Geneva Auction in November 2019, an exceptionally well-preserved stainless steel triple calendar Rolex Padellone 8171 sold for 1,028,000 CHF. Back in 2016, a stainless steel Rolex Padellone 8171 sold for $1.02 million USD at a Phillips auction, setting the record for the most expensive Rolex sold at auction in Asia. These are the most expensive Padellone’s sold to date, however you can still manage to find some Rolex Padellone 8171s for under $100,000 USD.
Today, the Rolex ref. 8171 is one of the most desirable Rolexes around. Due, not only to the Padellone’s rarity, but also because of its one-of-a-kind complications. These vintage Rolexes continue to be collectors’ favourite in auctions.
By: Eric Mulder