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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Triple calendar moonphase wristwatch

Rolex Reference 8171 Triple Calendar Moonphase Wristwatch

Partially verified

This stainless steel wristwatch, identified as Rolex reference 8171 and nicknamed "Padellone," features a triple calendar complication with moon phases. Produced circa 1950, the watch is powered by a rhodium-plated, self-winding caliber 10 1/2''' movement containing 18 jewels, a straight line lever escapement, and a Superbalance. The matte silver dial is equipped with applied steel dart and pyramidal indexes, an Arabic numeral 12, luminous steel alpha hands, and subsidiary seconds. The date is indicated by an outermost blue Arabic numeral track, while the days of the week and months appear in apertures beneath the Rolex signature. The case measures 38 mm in diameter and 14 mm in thickness, featuring a sloped bezel, concave lugs, and correctors on the case band. The timepiece is finished with a stainless steel Rolex buckle and is described as being in good condition with minor oxidation reported on the dial.

Front view of the Rolex Reference 8171 'Padellone' with black leather strap.
Front view of the Rolex Reference 8171 'Padellone' with black leather strap. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Triple calendar moonphase wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
8171
Catalogue / lot identifier
275
Source-reported date
circa 1950
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
820772

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 8171 features a three-body stainless steel case with a polished finish. Its construction includes a sloped bezel, concave, curved lugs, and a snap-on case back. The case band contains integrated correctors to facilitate setting the triple calendar functions. The matte silver dial displays applied steel dart and pyramidal indexes, complemented by a large Arabic numeral 12.

The dial layout incorporates a subsidiary seconds dial, which integrates the moon phase aperture. The calendar indications include an outermost graduation for the days of the month written in blue Arabic numerals, paired with a central pointer hand. Apertures located below the 12 o'clock position provide displays for the days of the week and the months. The hands consist of luminous steel alpha-style indicators for hours and minutes.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, polished, sloped bezel, concave and curved lugs, snap-on case back, correctors on the band”
  • “Matte silver with applied steel dart and pyramidal indexes, Arabic 12”
  • “outermost graduation for the days of the month in blue Arabic numerals, apertures for the days of the week, the months and the moon phases”

Movement and Mechanical Details

Internally, the watch is powered by a rhodium-plated, self-winding movement identified as the 10 1/2''' caliber. The movement contains 18 jewels and utilizes a straight-line lever escapement. To ensure consistent timekeeping performance, it is fitted with a Superbalance and a self-compensating Breguet balance spring. The movement is antimagnetic and signed by the manufacturer.

The auction description confirms that the dial, case, and movement are signed. The watch is presented on a strap with a stainless steel Rolex buckle, completing the original configuration of the timepiece.

Evidence for this section
  • “rhodium-plated, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, Superbalance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring”
  • “Dial, case, and movement signed”
  • “self-winding, antimagnetic, stainless steel wristwatch with triple date, moon phases and a stainless steel Rolex buckle”

Condition and Collector Context

The condition grading provided by the auction house notes that the case and movement are in 'Good' condition. The dial is described as having slight oxidation, and it is noted that the hands have been partially replaced.

The reference 8171 is identified as a model produced between 1949 and 1952. It was manufactured in stainless steel as well as 18K yellow and pink gold.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: Case: 3 Good Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense Dial: 3-6-06 Good Slightly oxidized HANDS Partially replaced”
  • “This reference is one of the most sought-after by collectors. It was produced from 1949-1952”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production volume of the stainless steel variant of reference 8171?
  • Were the luminous hands present on this watch identical to the original set or do they represent a specific historical service replacement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Reference 8171 Triple Calendar Moonphase Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Number820772“case No. 820772”
Movement Jewels18“18 jewels”
Case Diameter38 mm“Diam. 38 mm”
Caliber10 1/2'''“Cal. 10 1/2'''”
Dial ConditionSlightly oxidized“Slightly oxidized”
Hand ConditionPartially replaced“Partially replaced”

Visible details

  • Blue outer calendar track with Arabic numerals
  • Moon phase aperture with human face illustration
  • Luminous material visible on hour and minute hands
  • Concave lugs integral to the case profile

Research qualifications

  • Condition report indicates that the hands are partially replaced
  • The auction report advises that an overhaul is recommended

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

Consulted source

Stainless Steel Ref. 8171, "Padellone" Rolex, 'Perpetual, Precision', case No. 820772, Ref. 8171. Made circa 1950. Very fine and rare, self-winding, antimagnetic, stainless steel wristwatch with triple date, moon phases and a stainless steel Rolex buckle.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record a2507b48b8

Terms in this record

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

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