• automatic nickel lever movement, patented 18k gold rotor • silvered honeycomb dial, applied gilt dagger indexes, dauphine hands, sweep center seconds • tonneau water-resistant-type bombé case with faceted downturned lugs, screw-down crown, screw back factory engraved 'Rotor 18' • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex buckle

The movement is running, however it might need to be serviced soon. It is a very unusual movement and very interesting to see. It is numbered N76127. The dial is very nice overall and appears original. It has aged and discolored throughout with some marks to the bottom, near 6 o'clock. The dial has a beautiful look to it overall. The case shows only light wear with some light scuffs throughout. It has worn very well considering it was made nearly 60 years ago. Overall the case condition is very good with the engraving 'Rotor 18' clear and not worn very much at all. The inside of the back is stamped 5018 and the numbers between the lugs are 608745 and 4317.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

In the late 1940s, Rolex produced this special prototype of their classic Bombé model, Ref. 5018. As they experimented with different automatic movements, they fitted ไ;this one with a patented 18k gold rotor and engraved the case back 'Rotor 18'.

Ultima🅘tely, the solid gold rotor was seen as too expensive and the caliber variation was halted before it went into standard production.

Examples like the present lot are especially unusual and rarely come to the market. In addition🔴 to the rarity of the movement and case, the ܫdial on the present watch is especially desirable with the word 'Officially' printed in red.

A similar example of this special prototype Ref. 5018 is illustrated in Dowling, J. & Hess, J., The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches, 2nd edition, p. 336.