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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch

Rolex 'Cioccolatone' Reference 4645, 'Perpetual, Chronometer Officially Certified'

Partially verified

This Rolex reference 4645, colloquially identified by collectors as the 'Cioccolatone' for its aesthetic resemblance to a block of chocolate, is an 18K yellow gold self-winding gentleman's wristwatch dating to the 1940s. The timepiece features a square case with canted corners, stepped sides, and straight lugs, accompanied by a bombé crystal. Its two-tone matte silver dial displays gilt Arabic numerals, applied gold dot indexes, and a subsidiary seconds register, completed by yellow gold dauphine hands. The watch is powered by a rhodium-plated 9 3/4''' calibre movement containing 18 jewels, featuring a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance, and a Breguet balance-spring. The dial, case, and movement are signed by Rolex. Measuring 30.5 by 30.5 mm with a thickness of 12.5 mm, this specific example is marked with the number 47.

Front view of the Rolex reference 4645 showing the square 18K yellow gold case, matte silver dial, and leather strap.
Front view of the Rolex reference 4645 showing the square 18K yellow gold case, matte silver dial, and leather strap. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
4645
Catalogue / lot identifier
55
Source-reported date
1940s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
47

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 Design

The Rolex reference 4645 is distinguished by its square 18K yellow gold case, which measures 30.5 mm by 30.5 mm. The geometry of the case is characterized by its canted corners and stepped sides, a design configuration that contributed to the 'Cioccolatone' moniker applied by collectors. The profile is further defined by straight lugs and a bombé crystal, contributing to a total thickness of 12.5 mm.

The dial is executed in a two-tone matte silver finish, which serves as a backdrop for gilt Arabic numerals at the primary hour positions. These are complemented by applied gold dot indexes for the remaining hours. The time is indicated by yellow gold dauphine hands, while a subsidiary seconds register is positioned at the bottom of the dial, surrounded by an outer track of markings.

Evidence for this section
  • “square with canted corners, self-winding, 18K yellow gold gentleman's wristwatch”
  • “C. Two-body, solid, polished, stepped sides, straight lugs, "bombé" crystal.”
  • “D. Two-tone matte silver with gilt Arabic numerals and applied gold dot indexes, subsidiary seconds.”

Movement and Mechanics

Powering this timepiece is a rhodium-plated calibre 9 3/4''' movement. This self-winding mechanism is constructed with 18 jewels and operates with a straight-line lever escapement. The regulation is managed through a monometallic balance, paired with a Breguet balance-spring.

The movement itself is fully signed, ensuring consistency with the signatures also present on the dial and the case exterior.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. Cal. 9 3/4''', rhodium-plated, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, Breguet balance-spring.”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”

Provenance and Documentation

The auction description notes that this watch is associated with the reference series that was historically advertised in the 'Piccola Guida Gastronomica d’Italia'. The watch is formally documented in the 2001 edition of 'Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches' by Osvaldo Patrizzi, where it appears on pages 66 and 67.

Regarding its physical identity, the case number is reported as illegible, although the watch is explicitly marked with the number 47, which is identified as its individual sequence number within the production run of this specific reference.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch was available in 18k gold and 10k gold and stainless steel, and was advertised in the famous ?Piccola Guida Gastronomica d?Italia? .”
  • “This watch is illustrated in ?Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches?, by Osvaldo Patrizzi, 2001 Edition, p. 66, 67.”
  • “Case No. illegible, stamped with No. 47 representing this watches number within the production of this reference.”

Open research questions

  • What is the definitive production range for the reference 4645?
  • Is there additional documentation regarding the production total of this reference beyond the sequential number 47?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex 'Cioccolatone' Reference 4645, 'Perpetual, Chronometer Officially Certified'
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference4645“Ref. 4645”
Production number47“stamped with No. 47 representing this watches number within the production of this reference”
Case material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold gentleman's wristwatch”
Dimensions30.5 x 30.5 mm“Dim. 30.5 x 30.5 mm”
Movement calibre9 3/4'''“Cal. 9 3/4'''”
Jewels18“18 jewels”
Case shapeSquare with canted corners“square with canted corners”
Balance typeMonometallic“monometallic balance”

Visible details

  • Case features stepped sides and canted corners
  • Features a subsidiary seconds dial
  • Equipped with dauphine-style hands
  • Dial includes applied gold dot markers

Research qualifications

  • The case number is described as illegible
  • Overhaul is recommended by the auction house

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

Consulted source

Ref. 4645, So-Called 'Cioccolatone' Rolex, 'Perpetual, Chronometer Officially Certified', Ref. 4645. Case No. illegible, stamped with No. 47 representing this watches number within the production of this reference. Made in the 1940s. Fine and rare, square with canted corners, self-winding, 18K yellow gold gentleman's wristwatch.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record f217c2acdd

Terms in this record

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

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