5 Strange Rolex Watches You’ve Probably Never Seen Before

1 min readThink Rolex and you probably picture a Submariner, GMT-Master, or Daytona. But over its history, The Crown has made some considerably stranger stuff.Proof comes from the collection of Rome-based Rolex scholar Pucci Papaleo. He has spent more than 30 years assembling some 70 Rolex chronographs, and 16 are heading to auction at Phillips in Geneva on November 7 and 8.1. Rolex Ref. 3830PhillipsA square Rolex? Apparently so. Made circa 1941, this extraordinary 30mm 18k yellow-gold chronograph is thought to be unique. No other example is known to have appeared at auction, and Phillips estimates it at more than 1 million Swiss francs.2. Rolex Ref. 3525 “Bariletto”Phillips.Introduced in 1939, the 3525 was Rolex’s first chronograph wristwatch in an Oyster case. This example has a multi-scale dial signed by Australian retailer Prouds, believed to be the only one of its kind on the market.3. Rolex Ref. 3335Photographer: Fabio SantinelliPink gold case, pink dial, and a chunky-for-1941 37mm diameter. This beautifully preserved early chronograph also carries the signature of the Naples retailer Monetti. Bellissimo.4. Rolex “Paul Newman Musketeer” DaytonaPhotographer: Fabio SantinelliEven Paul Newman Daytonas go weirder. This rare Ref. 6239 has an unusual black “Musketeer” dial, distinguished by the treatment of its three sub-dials.5. Rolex “Paul Newman Lemon” DaytonaPhillips.The big one. This creamy-yellow-dial Ref. 6264 is believed to be the only known 14k example from its celebrated 2.3-million serial range. Estimate? More than 1 million Swiss francs.phillips.com