Rolex Reference 455 Gilt Brass Desk Clock with Date
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1985
Maker / issuer
RolexThis lot features an individual Rolex Reference 455 gilt brass desk clock dating to circa 1985. The timepiece is cased in a cylindrical fluted gilt brass body measuring 119 mm in diameter and bears case number 1'438.
The dial displays a faux wood pattern with round, baton, and triangular hour indexes, Mercedes-style gilt hands, a central seconds hand, and a date aperture magnified by a lens at 3 o'clock. The dial is signed with the Rolex coronet and marked 'QUARTZ' and 'TIME TO THE SECOND'. According to the auction catalogue, the clock is powered by a jewelled quartz movement and was offered without accessories.
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
- Desk clock
- Calibre
- Quartz, jewelled
- Diameter
- 119 mm
- Reference
- 455
- Case number
- 1'438
- Case material
- Gilt brass
- Dial description
- Faux wood
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Visible features
- • Cylindrical gilt brass case with vertically ribbed or fluted exterior walls and an angled fluted bezel rim. • Burl or tortoiseshell-effect faux wood dial with an applied magnifying lens over the date aperture at 3 o'clock. • Luminous-style gilt hands including a Mercedes hour hand, straight minute hand, and needle seconds hand. • Dial text includes the Rolex coronet, 'ROLEX', 'QUARTZ', and 'TIME TO THE SECOND'.
- Dial Configuration and Display
- The dial is described in the catalogue as faux wood, displaying a burl or tortoiseshell-effect visual pattern. It features luminous-style gilt hands, including a Mercedes pattern hour hand, a straight minute hand, and a needle seconds hand. A date aperture is positioned at 3 o'clock with an applied magnifying lens over the opening. Inscriptions on the dial include the Rolex coronet along with 'ROLEX', 'QUARTZ', and 'TIME TO THE SECOND'.
- Case Construction and Exterior Form
- The desk clock is cased in gilt brass with a cylindrical profile catalogued at 119 mm in diameter. Visible observation shows vertically ribbed or fluted exterior walls and an angled fluted bezel rim framing the dial opening. Catalogued under reference 455, the case is recorded with case number 1'438. The fluted exterior treatment forms an architectural desk instrument format, though internal case construction and closure details are not depicted in the source photograph.
- Movement Details and Documentation Limits
- The clock is listed with a jewelled quartz movement and an approximate dating of circa 1985. The sale listing records that the lot was offered with no accessories. The auctioneer noted that the movement was not tested for the accuracy of time and may require service at the buyer's expense. The internal movement components, rear case cover, and setting mechanisms are not illustrated in the provided catalogue imagery.
Identification
- Reference
- 455
- Serial number
- 1'438
- 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 movement was not tested for timekeeping accuracy by the auction house and may require servicing at the buyer's expense.
- Research required: Internal movement components, rear case cover, and setting mechanisms are not shown in the primary photograph.