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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Rolex Chronograph ref. 4500 with Pulsations Dial

Partially verified

This Rolex chronograph, reference 4500, is a stainless steel wristwatch dating to 1946 based on its serial number. Known for its 'Monoblocco' case construction, it features a 36 mm diameter, a screw-down caseback, pump-style pushers, and an Oyster-style crown. The dial is characterized by a blue-printed pulsations scale labeled 'Gradué pour 30 pulsations' and lacks luminous material, featuring raised Arabic numerals and arrowhead indices with slim baton hands. It is powered by a manual-wind mechanical movement based on the Valjoux 23 caliber, providing a two-register chronograph layout with a thirty-minute recording sub-dial. The watch is fitted with an Oyster rivet bracelet, which includes an end-link marked 60 and a clasp bearing a 1/60 date code. The auction description reports the watch has been serviced by a watchmaker and is in working condition.

Front view of the Rolex 4500 Chronograph featuring the blue pulsations scale on the dial and the Oyster rivet bracelet.
Front view of the Rolex 4500 Chronograph featuring the blue pulsations scale on the dial and the Oyster rivet bracelet. — Zamanito / Bulang & Sons. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
4500
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1946
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
499xxx

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a 36 mm stainless steel case featuring the Monoblocco construction, which includes a screw-down back and pump-style chronograph pushers. The dial displays a prominent blue-printed pulsations scale in the upper section, explicitly marked 'Gradué pour 30 pulsations', designed for medical use.

The dial surface exhibits natural patina and omits luminous material. It is appointed with raised Arabic numerals, arrowhead-shaped hour markers, and slim baton-style hands. The text 'Anti-Magnetique' is printed above the six o'clock position, with the Rolex crown logo and 'Oyster Chronographe' branding beneath the twelve o'clock marker. The dial layout includes two sub-registers for chronograph functions.

Evidence for this section
  • “ساختار قاب یکپارچه به اصطلاح «مونوبلوکو» (Monoblocco)”
  • “شاخص‌ترین بخش این ساعت، صفحه فوق‌العاده نادر پالسومتر (Pulsations dial) آن است”
  • “مقیاس سنجش نبض در بخش بالایی با نوشتار فرانسوی و رنگ آبی با عبارت «Gradué pour 30 pulsations» چاپ شده است”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is driven by a manual-wind mechanical movement built upon the Valjoux 23 caliber base. This movement configuration supports a two-register chronograph setup, comprising a continuous seconds register and a thirty-minute recorder.

According to the auction description, the movement has been serviced by a professional watchmaker and is reported to be in functional, working condition. The movement design integrates with the chronograph pushers to facilitate precise measurement, a core capability for the pulse-monitoring function provided by the dial scale.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت یک مکانیسم مکانیکی کوک دستی بر پایه کالیبر Valjoux 23 (Cal. VLJX.23) است”
  • “چیدمان دو ثبت‌کننده کرونوگراف (ثانیه‌شمار و دقیقه‌شمار ۳۰ دقیقه‌ای) را پشتیبانی می‌کند”
  • “این ساعت توسط ساعت‌ساز سرویس کامل شده و کارکرد سالم دارد”

Bracelet and Provenance

The watch is presented on a stainless steel Oyster-style rivet bracelet. This component features end-links stamped with the identifier '60'. The deployment clasp is hallmarked with the date code '1/60', signifying that the bracelet was manufactured in 1960.

The auction description notes that the bracelet is a later addition to the watch, which dates to 1946.

Evidence for this section
  • “بند فولادی پرچ‌دار اویستر (Oyster rivet) ارائه شده که انتهای آن دارای نشانه ۶۰ و قفل آن دارای مهر 1/60 (مربوط به سال ۱۹۶۰) است”
  • “بند ارائه شده با تاریخ قفل 1/60 از دوره‌ای پس از ساخت اولیه ساعت (۱۹۴۶) به آن الحاق شده است”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production range for the 'Monoblocco' reference 4500 with pulsations dials?
  • Are there variations in the blue pulsations scale print style among documented 4500 examples?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Chronograph ref. 4500 with Pulsations Dial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Serial number499xxx“499xxx”
MovementValjoux 23“کالیبر Valjoux 23”
Case typeMonoblocco“به اصطلاح «مونوبلوکو» (Monoblocco)”
Pulsations scaleGradué pour 30 pulsations“Gradué pour 30 pulsations”
Bracelet clasp1/60“قفل آن دارای مهر 1/60 (مربوط به سال ۱۹۶۰)”
Case diameter36 mm“۳۶ میلی‌متر”

Visible details

  • Blue-printed pulsations scale on the dial periphery
  • Raised Arabic numerals and arrowhead indices
  • Two-register chronograph layout with a small seconds and 30-minute recorder
  • Stainless steel Oyster rivet bracelet with visible end-link stamping

Research qualifications

  • The pulsation scale and dial print authenticity require expert verification
  • The Oyster bracelet date code (1/60) indicates it is a later addition to the watch
  • The condition of the Monoblocco case edges and potential prior polishing should be evaluated

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Rolex Chronograph ref. 4500 Pulsations Dial

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 76f98db700

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Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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