Rolex Reference 4113: Why Is It a Legendary Timepiece?
The Rolex reference 4113 is a vintage chronograph. And when I say chronograph, I don’t mean it’s a Rolex Daytona. It’s a chronograph from the Swiss watchmaker that was released almost 2 decades before even the first Daytona got showcased. Started to become interesting enough already? If you are a watch collector or an enthusiast, this fact alone would have raised so many questions.
Being a Chronograph from the pre-Daytona era is not the only reason to fetch a jaw-dropping sum of $4.7 million, right? Yes, it’s not. What makes it extremely special, or rather extremely rare, is the fact that the watch was only in production during the year 1942. Even during that year, it’s said that only 12 pieces were made. It is further believed that only 8-9 of these pieces still exist in the world. So among millions of watch collectors worldwide, only 8-9 of them can have a chance to own this ultra-rare piece from Rolex. Of course, it is going to be a bidding war.
Built with a 44mm steel case, this watch had a massive case size for its era. Among the 42mm Rolex Sky Dweller and 44mm Breitlings, this might seem like the right size. But keep in mind that back in the 1940s, the common size for a man’s wristwatch was around 36mm.
But, What Makes It Worth $4.7 million?
As mentioned above, just the fact that there are barely 8 or 9 of these in the whole world makes it extremely rare and expensive. But not everything that is in a limited quantity attracts that kind of price, right? Then, why is this one so special? It’s much more to do beyond the rarity factor.
- The history behind it – This reference represents the peak of Rolex’s early chronograph innovation. Before Daytonas, before Paul Newman dials, there was this oversized split-seconds outlier.
- Steel chronograph in the 1940s – Back in the 1940s, watches with a Chronograph or any additional complication were often made out of gold or other precious metals. This makes a Steel chronograph a bold move for the era.
- The condition speaks – The fact that the watch was maintained in the best condition possible and was not tampered with alone makes the price higher. Even though there are only 8 or so pieces in the world, not all would be in as clean and good condition as this one.
Also Read: 10 Most Expensive Watches Ever Sold in the World
The Dubai Auction: Why Here?
The sale took place in Dubai through FutureGrail, a fast-rising specialist auction house that has been attracting serious attention in the Middle East. Dubai is not new to headline-making watch sales, but this result is significant for a few reasons.
The sale did not just make headlines but set a new benchmark for the Rolex 4113. Earlier examples topped out at around $3.3 million, so seeing this one climb to $4.7 million shows just how far collectors are willing to go for the right piece. It also strengthens Dubai’s position in the watch world. What Geneva is to Europe, Dubai is becoming to the Middle East and Asia. The collector base here is growing fast, and buyers are informed, confident, and willing to compete hard.
The result also reflects a broader trend in the vintage market. Demand for ultra-rare steel Rolex chronographs has been climbing for years, and this sale is proof that the top tier of the market is still thriving despite global economic uncertainty. When a watch this rare appears, serious collectors don’t hesitate and that appetite is shaping the next chapter of high-end watch collecting.
