Rolex is (or at least was) a lot more versatile than most think. Their art-deco style chronographs from the 30’s are a great testament. This scarcely-produced ref. 2916 has hooded lugs and an alluringly aged black dial.

A piece that might surprise the average Rolex collector; an Artdeco case-design and expressive "hooded" lugs. This stunning reference 2916 is a part of 6 (7 if counting the possibly one-of reference 2921) similar cased watches all bearing the same modified, manual-wound, Valjoux 23 movement referred to as the caliber Type 13". The references are as follows; 2916 (the beauty we have here for you today), the 2917, 2918, 2919, 2920 and 2937. All of them except from the three latter references executed in a 33mm stainless steel case which is about 11mm in height.

It's not a secret that this watch doesn't look like the classical line-up from the Rolex assortment. The beautiful single hooded bezel is something to behold on its own. Then when we look at the dial we can't say anything other than it being aged breathtakingly. The dial turned brownish over the years. The dial design is well-balanced with a classic lay-out: a registers at the 6 and 9 o'clock mark. On that dial we can see the 3 functional scales; an outer tachymeter with 1000 base units, middle telemeter with km's assigned to them and another inner chronograph scale. Both the numerals and the hands have a later applied luminous compound, possibly to enhance legibility.

This beauty we have for you dates back to 1938 and is ready for its "new" seasoned collector to be admired. the serial and coronet is still very clearly visible on the snap-on caseback, showcasing the great overall condition. The original pushers and crown are still present, last mentioned aged accordingly. Furthermore, it is supplied with an original very early Rolex buckle.