Rolex Chronograph 2811 Double Swiss Signed Dial

This Rolex Chronograph Reference 2811 from the mid-1930s, with its ultra-rare “double Swiss signed” dial, is one of the particularly fascinating early chronographs from the Geneva manufacture – long before the Cosmograph and Daytona came to define the image of the Rolex chronograph.

The absolute highlight of this watch is its original silver-colored dial, which after around 90 years has developed an exceptionally authentic and expressive appearance. Numerous fine traces of age and discoloration visibly reflect its long history, while the original design and, in particular, the complex scales remain remarkably well preserved and clearly legible.

Particularly unusual is the combination of several rare features found on this dial. In addition to “SWISS MADE” above the 6 o’clock position, the French designation “FAB. SUISSE”, short for “Fabrication Suisse”, appears at the very bottom edge. This rare “double Swiss signed” execution, combined with the French inscriptions “CHRONOGRAPHE” and “ANTIMAGNETIQUE”, strongly suggests that the watch was originally produced for a French-speaking market. The consistent use of French inscriptions across the dial fits perfectly with this particular execution. Appropriately, the movement is also marked “FAB. SUISSE”, further supporting this connection. In addition, the use of radium luminous material on the hands and hour markers may indicate a military-oriented execution.

To our knowledge, only one other example of Reference 2811 with this exceptional dial configuration is known. Combined with its entirely authentic aging, this gives the dial its unique character.

The dial features an elaborate multi-scale layout with a black tachymeter scale marked “BASE 1000 M” and a blue printed telemeter scale marked “TELEMETRE 1 KM”. The two recessed subsidiary dials display running seconds at 9 o’clock and the 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock. Together with the blue telemeter scale, the blued hour and minute hands provide subtle color accents.

Inside is the Rolex-signed, manually wound Valjoux 23 caliber with 17 jewels and column-wheel control. The movement is signed “ROLEX GENEVE 17 RUBIS” on the bridge and, in keeping with the overall character of the watch, remains in a highly authentic condition.

The fitted steel bracelet is equally noteworthy. It is an early Gay Frères stretch bracelet made for Rolex. Its expandable construction and straight end links pair exceptionally well with the 32.5 mm stainless steel case and further underline the watch’s authentic historical character.

The combination of the rare reference, the 32.5 mm stainless steel case with olive-shaped pushers, the exceptional “double Swiss signed” multiscale dial, the Rolex-signed column-wheel movement, and the early Gay Frères stretch bracelet makes this example a fascinating piece of Rolex history. It belongs to the early generation of wrist chronographs from a time when Rolex’s chronograph history was still in its infancy. Above all, it is the authentic state of preservation that gives this example its special appeal: after around 90 years, the watch is allowed to show its age – and it is precisely this unaltered aging that gives it its exceptional historical and collector character.

Condition report
Dial: ultra-rare original “double Swiss signed” dial – authentic patina – original radium luminous material – intact blue telemeter scale – black tachymeter scale – signed “ROLEX CHRONOGRAPHE ANTIMAGNETIQUE”, “SWISS MADE” and “FAB. SUISSE”.

Case: 32.5 mm stainless steel case – light signs of wear – intact numbers on the outer caseback – intact Rolex crown on the outer caseback – inside of the caseback signed “ROLEX GENEVE SUISSE” with early SAR marking and crown – original unsigned crown – olive-shaped chronograph pushers – width between the lugs: 18 mm.

Movement: manually wound Valjoux 23 caliber with column-wheel control – 17 jewels – signed “ROLEX GENEVE 17 RUBIS”, “FAB. SUISSE” and “SWISS MADE” – timegrapher values: rate: −1 s/day, amplitude: 194°, beat error: 1.0 ms.

Bracelet: original Gay Frères stainless steel stretch bracelet, made for Rolex – excellent condition with natural signs of wear – bracelet length: 16.9 – 18.9 cm.

Serial number: 034xxx (1935)

Int.Exe.: 6503505