Was it really a surprise? The Rolex 4113 Split Seconds Chronograph has become the most expensive watch from the Crown in history.
This is the only model of the Rolex Split Seconds Chronograph.
What Makes the Rolex 4113 Unique?
The uniqueness of the Rolex 4113 lies in the fact that the brand produced only twelve pieces. Of these twelve, nine that have surfaced since 1942 appear to be in good condition.
Despite intriguing dials with faded blue tachymetric elements, they sell for bargain prices in the pre-owned watch market. The most expensive one was sold for 2,405,000 Swiss Francs (about 2,638,935 USD) at the Phillips Geneva “Start-Stop-Reset” auction in 2016.
This isn't the only Rolex watch sold for staggering sums at auction. Paul Newman's Rolex Oyster Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6239 also broke records! The steel model with a white dial and black sub-dials was sold for 17.8 million USD in 2017.
Last weekend, John Goldberger's Rolex ref 4113 was sold at the Monaco Legend Group auction for... wait... are you sitting down? 3.5 million USD. Yes, you read that right. Now go splash some cold water on your face.
This is yet another new record. And it's no surprise, as the watch is possibly the rarest Rolex ever made.
The Rolex Split Seconds ref 4113 is an absolute collector's item. Even if we know almost nothing about its history, we at least know that John Goldberger deemed it worthy of collecting. And that says a lot. During a “Talking Watches” session (at 6:54), he literally takes a cheese knife and opens the case back to show the movement inside!
This moment of kitchenware from the pocket of such a legendary mega collector has become iconic. I'll never look at a cheese knife the same way again!
What We Know About the Rolex 4113
Any watch released in just 12 pieces worldwide is bound to arouse a lot of curiosity. But it's also a Rolex, and that makes a big difference. Elite circles of collectors are willing to die for one of these rare models.
The elusive watches are unlike anything the Crown company has designed before. Firstly, they are wide and thin, making them resemble a dinner plate. How many Rolex watches do you know that look like this?
Whether you're a fan of Rolex or not, you know the brand became famous for its legendary Oyster case. The crown, bezel, and back secured to the mid-case enhanced water resistance.
Unlike them, the Rolex 4113 doesn't look bulky and sturdy. Of course, the brand makes them from steel, but their profile is something else entirely.
Most of the Rolex 4113 watches that have emerged on the market over the past four decades have returned to Sicily. It's the home of the Giro Automobilistico di Sicilia race.
In the 1930s, before this model was introduced, Rolex had ties with motorsport. The company even sponsored Sir Malcolm Campbell when he set the world speed record in his legendary “Bluebird.”
What many believe happened with the development of these 12 rare models makes sense. They were gifted to racing team owners in the 1940s.
The first to hit the pre-owned market came from the family of the late racer Stefano La Motto. The second was sold in England that same year. It was pawned by the widow of another former racing team member.
We also know that watches of such complexity were rare for Rolex. The brand usually leaves the creation of complications to other prestigious manufacturers in the industry. Over the years, critics have accused Rolex of reluctance to push the boundaries of watchmaking.
It is clear that the limitations in working on watches with complications enhance the desirability of watches like this ref 4113.
What We Don't Know About the Rolex 4113
The brand never advertised the Rolex 4113 or released the watches to the market, so they have always been the subject of speculation among enthusiasts.
Information about its origins was only rumors until collectors with key information appeared at auctions. Yet, much about the watch remains unknown.
Three models have never surfaced. It's possible they no longer exist, but maybe they do! Perhaps even in better condition than the ones we've seen. Imagine their value!
What Makes the Rolex Split Seconds Chronograph?
Aside from the intrigue and admiration the Rolex 4113 inspires, it operates like any other watch with a Split Seconds function.
A standard chronograph, which may or may not be a chronometer, represents a stopwatch function. Its purpose is to measure elapsed time. Equipped with a reset function, it allows starting a new time count after the first one is completed.
Split-second watches like the Rolex 4113 operate thanks to a second hand located under the main chronograph second hand. Until activated, you might not even suspect its existence.
The key advantage of a split-second chronograph is that it can time two intervals simultaneously. For example, it can record two intermediate times between two racing cars. When activated in the usual way, both hands start moving simultaneously.
Then, when you activate the button again, the second hand stops. Thus, the first time is recorded.
When you press the button again, the remaining hand stops. This is how intermediate time is measured in this type of chronograph.
Features of the Rolex 4113
As mentioned earlier, these Rolex Split Seconds Chronograph ref 4113 watches have a unique flat and thin profile. Auction viewers and serious collectors consider it a complete marvel.
Its case, with straight and raised lugs, has a satin finish in some parts. It gives way to a unique champagne-colored dial, which, as we now understand, varies across the 12 models (or at least the nine we know of).
Interestingly, all dials have different wear and aging. This suggests that Rolex may have used various dial materials. However, we have very little information to back this up with substantial evidence.
What we can see is that the text and print differ on the dials of these watches. The tachymetric scales these watches are equipped with have faded differently, despite all having blue coating.
One of the 4113 models is also made of stainless steel and rose gold, while another features a rose gold crown.
Moreover, the wide 44mm diameter of the model was practically unheard of for its time. Inside it is the Valjoux 55 VBR, used in other split-seconds chronographs of the same period.
Rolex equipped the 4113 model with a bezel as large as the technical capabilities of the time allowed. This resulted in a dial almost as wide as the case itself!
The watch also has a slightly domed case back and a thin case edge, allowing it to sit fairly flat on the wrist.
Value and Collectibility of the Rolex 4113
Before the 4113 model was sold for 1,107,750 Swiss Francs in 2013 (ref 051314), it had already been sold for four times its estimated auction value. The watch was first sold in 1991 at a Geneva auction by Christie's for 82,500 Swiss Francs.
Since then, the value has increased significantly.
Many 4113 watches from the 1940s that have surfaced appear to be in good condition. Is it any wonder? They are among the best-selling watches in history!
This model, the only split-seconds chronograph ever produced by the House, has been a coveted item for true watchmakers for many years.
In 2016, the estimated value of the Rolex 4113 was 2.4 million USD. The watch was seen on the wrist of a collector at the Dubai Watch Week. This shows that interest in the watch is not limited to museum scammers and auction visitors hungry for investments.
People love these watches for their unusual style and elegant complexity.
Unattainable but Stunning
The Rolex Split Seconds Chronograph ref 4113 is held in high regard, far surpassing in rarity other desirable Rolex watches produced in limited editions.
Given the allure of the Daytona model (especially Paul Newman), the Split Seconds Chronograph is out of reach for most. Even leading collectors have struggled to see it in person.
Thanks to a few lucky owners and scholars over the years, we've been able to learn more about the Rolex 4113.
With watch prices soaring higher than we could have imagined, who knows how much the next model might sell for?
Don't forget to subscribe to our Telegram channel for more articles like this one.