Rolex Chronograph ref. 4500 with Pulsations Dial
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1946
Maker / issuer
RolexThis Rolex chronograph, reference 4500, is a stainless steel wristwatch dating to 1946 based on its serial number. Known for its 'Monoblocco' case construction, it features a 36 mm diameter, a screw-down caseback, pump-style pushers, and an Oyster-style crown.
The dial is characterized by a blue-printed pulsations scale labeled 'Gradué pour 30 pulsations' and lacks luminous material, featuring raised Arabic numerals and arrowhead indices with slim baton hands. It is powered by a manual-wind mechanical movement based on the Valjoux 23 caliber, providing a two-register chronograph layout with a thirty-minute recording sub-dial. The watch is fitted with an Oyster rivet bracelet, which includes an end-link marked 60 and a clasp bearing a 1/60 date code.
The auction description reports the watch has been serviced by a watchmaker and is in working condition.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Chronograph
- Movement
- Valjoux 23
- Case type
- Monoblocco
- Case diameter
- 36 mm
- Serial number
- 499xxx
- Bracelet clasp
- 1/60
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Pulsations scale
- Gradué pour 30 pulsations
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in a 36 mm stainless steel case featuring the Monoblocco construction, which includes a screw-down back and pump-style chronograph pushers. The dial displays a prominent blue-printed pulsations scale in the upper section, explicitly marked 'Gradué pour 30 pulsations', designed for medical use. The dial surface exhibits natural patina and omits luminous material. It is appointed with raised Arabic numerals, arrowhead-shaped hour markers, and slim baton-style hands. The text 'Anti-Magnetique' is printed above the six o'clock position, with the Rolex crown logo and 'Oyster Chronographe' branding beneath the twelve o'clock marker. The dial layout includes two sub-registers for chronograph functions.
- Visible features
- • Blue-printed pulsations scale on the dial periphery • Raised Arabic numerals and arrowhead indices • Two-register chronograph layout with a small seconds and 30-minute recorder • Stainless steel Oyster rivet bracelet with visible end-link stamping
- Bracelet and Provenance
- The watch is presented on a stainless steel Oyster-style rivet bracelet. This component features end-links stamped with the identifier '60'. The deployment clasp is hallmarked with the date code '1/60', signifying that the bracelet was manufactured in 1960. The auction description notes that the bracelet is a later addition to the watch, which dates to 1946.
- Movement and Functionality
- The timepiece is driven by a manual-wind mechanical movement built upon the Valjoux 23 caliber base. This movement configuration supports a two-register chronograph setup, comprising a continuous seconds register and a thirty-minute recorder. According to the auction description, the movement has been serviced by a professional watchmaker and is reported to be in functional, working condition. The movement design integrates with the chronograph pushers to facilitate precise measurement, a core capability for the pulse-monitoring function provided by the dial scale.
Identification
- Reference
- 4500
- Serial number
- 499xxx
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The pulsation scale and dial print authenticity require expert verification
- Research required: The Oyster bracelet date code (1/60) indicates it is a later addition to the watch
- Research required: The condition of the Monoblocco case edges and potential prior polishing should be evaluated