Typically known for their tool watches, Rolex’s history is filled with timepieces that fulfilled very specific usecases and had a specific niche in mind. From the Submariner to the Daytona to the Milgauss to the Air-King, they all have their purpose. However, one watch stands tall for its rather unique inspiration, and that watch is the Rolex Prince “Brancard”, or “Doctor’s Watch.” Launched in 1928 this watch was designed for use by doctors who would use the watch to time a one minute period while they counted heart beats so they could could calculate the heartrate. This was achieved through its disproportionately large subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock and its famously accurate manual-wind cal. 877 movement. However, the Prince evolved over the years with versions that featured smaller subdials that broke away from the collection’s original inspiration, much like this ref. 1936 that we have here. Featuring the same Art-Deco design language in its stainless steel case such as its stepped design and elegant curve, the resulting timepiece is somewhat more understated than its more niche-focused siblings, and as a result the ref. 1936 that we have here fits perfectly between the Prince collection’s original concept as a tool watch for doctors and an elegant dress watch that is objectively beautiful.

Watch is in good overall condition. Case is worn as shown, with age commensurate wear visible on all surfaces. Caseback retains original serial and reference number. The dial in good condition with numerous surface scratches and marks visible.

A remarkable solution to what was a genuine problem at the time, the Rolex Prince was famed for its accuracy and precision, but today has become notable for its position as the starting point of the Rolex Cellini Prince, a collection that was revived in 2005.