Rolex Prince Ref. 2771 Pink Gold Ultra Prima

The Rolex Prince is a relatively well-known vintage piece made between the early 30’s up to the late 50’s.
I have in the past written about my Prince collection and eluded to my not Prince piece the ref 2771.

I though I would write a short about this piece which possibly has less fame and fortune that it’s big brothers ( and sisters- the Princess)

Rolex made many pieces in multiple forms for different markets. Some had lesser quality movement – non chronometer vs chronometer – ie 5513 vs 5512. They also made a few grades of movements known as the Prima, Extra Prima and the Ultra Prima.
I do not think in today’s corporate world of maximum profits from minimal lines , this would still be done. Why have three different grades of movements when one would suffice. It was not as if the movement could be seen.
Why pay more for a chronometer grade movement when the Prima would suffice?
The case also came in multiple guises ranging from stainless steel to steel and gold to Pink Gold (18kt)

So here is mine .

The front—simple baton markers. The crown looks a little strange. Note the recessed sub second dial

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The side- classic brancard shape in 18 kt pink gold

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The back shows the crown and all the numbers are still fresh.

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Hall mark by the crown ( ? replaced) is a little rubbed and unclear.

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Inside of the case back. Beautiful perlage. Note the last 2 numbers of the case repeated on the inside.

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The hallmarks and case makers marks are still crisp. The key relates to the Canton of Geneve and number 10 is the maker - Union Suisse pour l’Habillage de la Montre (USH)

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Now we see the movement . A high grade ultra prima chronometer movement with 18 rubies and timed in 6 positions. No chronometer certificate unfortunately.

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The bracelet is also quite uncommon. It is an 18 kt pink gold bracelet described as beads of rice. A few bubble backs came with a similar type of bracelet.

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If we look carefully it appears to be stamped GF-although the F is indistince. Bracelet made by the famous Gay Freres company who made bracelets for Rolex, Vacheron and Patek Philippe.

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All in all a beautiful piece , very under rated ( as are a lot of the pieces from this era.) Art deco cases from Vacheron, Rolex and Patek do carry a bit of a premium but still lag way behind the sports models from the late 50s and beyond.

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Thanks for looking

Julian

Please enjoy.