Lot 2860 - A217 Wristwatches & Pocketwatches - Tuesday, 23. June 2026, 04.00 PM
Rolex, museum-quality and extremely rare KEW A Observatory Chronometer, 1950s.
Yellow gold 750.
D 35 mm.
Reference No.:
6210 Observatory Chronometer (1 of 24 examples produced).Case No.:
97463, three-piece Oyster case with screwed case back and screw-down crownDial:
Silvered dial with applied hour markers, small seconds, and signed: Rolex Oyster Observatory Chronometer “Kew A” CertificateMovement:
Manual-winding movement no. 4185, signed: Rolex KEW *A* TESTED. Original Guillaume compensation balance with polished and bevelled steel balance cock.Band:
Leather band with a gilt tang buckleAccessories:
NoneThe present watch belongs to an exceedingly small series of only 24 examples of reference 6210, all fitted with observatory movements and housed in 18-carat gold cases, making them among the rarest and most accurate models ever produced by Rolex.
The KEW Observatory trials in Teddington near London were exceptionally rigorous and lasted 45 days, whereas Swiss chronometer tests lasted only 15 days. The watches were tested in various positions and at different temperatures. Daily rate deviation was required to remain below one second per day. Rolex undertook extraordinary efforts to achieve these results, and the watches were specially produced for the trials, based on the calibre 700 movement.
Only five examples of reference 6210 have ever appeared at auction. The rarity of the present lot is further enhanced by the outstanding original condition of both the dial and the chronometer movement. The present calibre still retains its original compensation balance as well as the bevelled and polished balance cock.
The KEW Observatory trials in Teddington near London were exceptionally rigorous and lasted 45 days, whereas Swiss chronometer tests lasted only 15 days. The watches were tested in various positions and at different temperatures. Daily rate deviation was required to remain below one second per day. Rolex undertook extraordinary efforts to achieve these results, and the watches were specially produced for the trials, based on the calibre 700 movement.
Only five examples of reference 6210 have ever appeared at auction. The rarity of the present lot is further enhanced by the outstanding original condition of both the dial and the chronometer movement. The present calibre still retains its original compensation balance as well as the bevelled and polished balance cock.
CHF 18 000 / 36 000 | (€ 18 560 / 37 110)
Sold for CHF 287 500 (including buyer's premium)