The Rolex Daytona is unequivocally one of the most sought-after watches on the market today, especially out of chronograph wristwatches. While vintage Daytonas have always been sought after, the market has really come into its own in recent years, and it has finally begun to feed into the niche of pre-Daytona chronographs from Rolex. While some pre-Daytona chronographs are direct predecessors to the Daytona itself, what we have here is an even earlier mid-century chronograph, the Antimagnetic Chronograph ref. 4313. Launched in the late 1940s, the ref. 4313 was created to cater to a period of watchmaking that was a somewhat transitional time as watches were becoming more and more powerful when used as tools, which was becoming increasingly common and necessary. Without computers or electronic timers, chronographs were the best way to time and record intervals and determine data points. Pilots, scientists, race car drivers, and numerous other professions used chronographs to make their lives easier. As such, the ref. 4313’s dial was designed to aid the wearer and allow them to make calculations. Powered by the manual-wind Valjoux cal. 72 movement, the ref. 4313 was huge for its time with a 37mm diameter case and an antimagnetic iron cage for its movement. Boasting distinctive teardrog lugs and a unique two-tone construction with 18kt rose gold and stainless steel elements, this timepiece is as distinctive on the wrist as it is historically important, a fact that its radium-filled silver dial also demonstrates.

Watch is in overall very good condition. The rose gold mid-case is well defined and has developed a pleasing patina. The rectangular pushers and winding crown remain excellent. The steel case back shows some marks and minor pitting, though the serial number is still legible. The dial is in good condition, with spotting across the surface and missing radium on several hour markers, while the printed scales remain generally well preserved. The central minute and hour hands have been relumed. It is fitted with a leather strap and a Rolex buckle that may have originally been plated but now has the appearance of steel.

Combining a unique case construction with an unusual material pairing of stainless steel and 18kt rose gold, the ref. 4313 is a uniquely designec mid-century chronograph that fits today's style as a timepiece rich with personality.