1950 Rolex Triple Calendar Moonphase ref. 8171 “Padellone” In Steel

Up for grabs is a Rolex Triple Calendar Moonphase

Reference 8171 in steel, with 38mm case. The so-called “Padellone”

This reference was only made for about 3 years, between 1949 and 1952, and only about 1500 examples are believed to ever been produced in all 3 metals that it came in: steel, yellow gold, and rose gold. A fraction of those still remain with original dials today as most of them were refinished, repainted, etc. This is one of those original and well preserved examples.

686,XXX serial number puts it at about 1950 production year. The serial number engraving, along with the Rolex crown, are well preserved on outside of the caseback. Again, due to its location, many of these have the number polished or worn down.

The case of this example remains in stunning and seemingly unpolished condition with sharp edges and factory brushed finishes.

The dial, which is a variation with luminous hands and markers, remains very well preserved with sharp, vivid, and original print. The luminous material is radium and is original on both hands and the markers. Both still produce strong readings under Geiger counter. Spanish day and month disks are original, as is the beautiful moonphase disk. It is extremely rare for one of these to not be relumed or to have faded print.

Visiting the caseback again, the outside number is fully legible and the inside is correctly stamped 8171. There is no corrosion or pitting inside the caseback.

The watch winds smoothly, runs, and all of its push button functions work. There is no service history that’s known, but best to keep this one untouched.