Introduction
Before the Daytona established Rolex as one of the defining names in sports chronographs, the manufacture produced a fascinating succession of manually wound references that combined traditional chronograph mechanics with the increasingly important Oyster case. Introduced during the 1940s, the ref. 4500 belongs to this formative period. Unlike later three-register Rolex chronographs, it uses a two-register layout with subsidiary seconds and a 30-minute counter, giving the watch a particularly balanced appearance while retaining the column-wheel chronograph architecture expected of the period.
Dating to circa 1947, this example is especially interesting for its combination of stainless steel and gold, one of several case configurations in which the ref. 4500 was offered. The 35mm Oyster case combines steel chronograph pushers with a contrasting gold bezel and screw-down winding crown, while the white dial incorporates both an outer base-100 tachymeter and an inner blue telemeter scale. Applied hour markers alternate between Arabic even numerals and arrow-shaped odd-hour indexes, complemented by non-luminous dagger hands.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Warranty Card (No serial number)
Est. value range
$15,000 – $25,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
35mm
Model
Oyster Chronograph
Movement
Manual-wind Valjoux 23
Reference
4500
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
1947
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless Steel and Gold
Included
Warranty
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
The white dial combines an outer base-100 tachymeter with a contrasting blue inner telemeter scale. Applied hour markers alternate between Arabic numerals at the even hours and arrow-shaped indexes at the odd hours, while non-luminous dagger hands and twin registers at three and nine complete the unusually detailed display.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The 35mm tonneau-form Oyster case combines brushed and polished stainless steel surfaces with a contrasting gold bezel and screw-down winding crown. Steel chronograph pushers flank the crown, while the screw-down case back reflects Rolex's continuing development of the Oyster concept within its chronograph watches during the 1940s.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The stainless steel case shows surface scratches and some light pitting around the edge of the mid-case where it meets the case back. The case back shows light surface scratches. The pushers are in excellent condition, while the original Rolex Oyster 18K yellow gold winding crown shows gentle wear. The 18K yellow gold bezel is well defined and has developed a pleasing patina. The dial is in excellent condition, with a vibrant blue telemeter scale and some light surface marks. The hands remain clean. It is fitted with a leather strap and pin buckle. Comes with a warranty card that references the model 4500 but not the actual serial number dated 1961. Watch was consigned with the guarantee but it may have been added later.
Our Perspective
The ref. 4500 comes from an important transitional chapter in Rolex chronograph history, decades before the Daytona made the format inseparable from the brand. This example is particularly appealing for the contrast of its steel and gold case, but it is the dial that gives the watch much of its character: twin registers, two timing scales, blue telemeter printing and alternating Arabic and arrow-shaped hour markers create a remarkably rich design within a compact 35mm format.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
