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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph wristwatch

Rolex 'Chronographe Anti-Magnetique' Ref. 4099

Partially verified

This stainless steel gentleman's wristwatch, reference 4099, was manufactured by Rolex in 1947. Known as the 'Chronographe Anti-Magnetique', the timepiece features a three-body case design distinguished by flared, fluted lugs. The matte silver dial is equipped with applied pink gold baton indexes and Arabic numerals, complemented by pink gold baton hands. Two subsidiary guilloché dials provide continuous seconds and a 30-minute register function. The perimeter of the dial includes both tachometer and blue telemeter graduations. Internally, the watch is powered by a rhodium-plated 13''' movement containing 17 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a self-compensating Breguet balance spring with an index regulator. The watch is presented with a stainless steel Rolex buckle. The dial, case, and movement are signed. The watch measures 35 mm in diameter with a thickness of 11 mm.

Rolex Chronographe Anti-Magnetique Ref. 4099 in stainless steel.
Rolex Chronographe Anti-Magnetique Ref. 4099 in stainless steel. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
4099
Catalogue / lot identifier
474
Source-reported date
1947
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
583163

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 Aesthetic Construction

The timepiece is constructed with a three-body stainless steel case, measuring 35 mm in diameter and 11 mm in thickness. Its physical profile is defined by its flared, fluted lugs, which serve as a primary design element for this specific reference. The case surfaces are finished with a combination of polished and brushed textures.

The dial is rendered in a matte silver tone, providing a backdrop for applied pink gold baton indexes and corresponding Arabic numerals. The time and chronograph readings are indicated by pink gold baton hands. For measuring speed and distance, the outer edge of the dial incorporates tachometer and blue telemeter graduations. Two subsidiary dials, finished with a guilloché pattern, facilitate the registration of 30-minute intervals and continuous seconds.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, polished and brushed, flared fluted lugs.”
  • “Matte silver, with applied pink gold baton indexes and Arabic numerals, subsidiary guilloché dials for the seconds and 30-minute registers, outer tachometer and blue telemeter graduations.”

Movement and Mechanical Specifications

The watch is driven by a rhodium-plated 13''' movement. The mechanical assembly comprises 17 jewels and employs a straight-line lever escapement. Regulation of the timekeeping is achieved via an index regulator, paired with a monometallic balance wheel and a self-compensating Breguet balance spring. This movement supports the watch's chronograph functions, operated by square buttons located on the case side.

The auction house notes that the watch is signed on the dial, the case, and the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “13''', rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, index regulator.”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”

Condition and Documentation

According to the auction condition report, the overall grade assigned to the object is 'AAA Excellent'. Specifically, the case is graded as '2 Very good', while the movement and dial are classified as '3 Good'. The hands show evidence of slight oxidation.

It is specified that finding an example of this reference with an unrestored dial is rare. Further literature regarding this reference, specifically regarding its design or existence, is found in 'Collecting Rolex Wristwatches' by Osvaldo Patrizzi, page 485.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grade: AAA Excellent Case: 2 Very good Movement: 3 Good Dial: 3-6-01 Good Slightly oxidized”
  • “It is rare to find an example of this reference with an unrestored dial.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer of the 13''' caliber movement used in this reference?
  • How does the oxidation reported on the hands affect the material integrity of the pink gold plating over time?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex 'Chronographe Anti-Magnetique' Ref. 4099
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference4099“Ref. 4099”
Case Number583163“case No. 583163”
Manufacturing Year1947“Made in 1947”
Movement Type13''' rhodium-plated, 17 jewels“M. 13''', rhodium-plated, 17 jewels”
Case Dimensions35 mm diameter, 11 mm thickness“Diam. 35 mm. Thickness 11 mm.”
Dial FeaturesApplied pink gold baton indexes and Arabic numerals“applied pink gold baton indexes and Arabic numerals”
GraduationsOuter tachometer and blue telemeter“outer tachometer and blue telemeter graduations”

Visible details

  • Case features distinct flared fluted lugs
  • Dial displays both tachometer and telemeter scales
  • Hands and dial markers are composed of pink gold
  • Subsidiary registers feature guilloché decoration

Research qualifications

  • Condition report indicates oxidation on the hands
  • The dial is noted as unrestored in the provided documentation

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

Terms in this record

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