Rolex Ref. 4367 Honeycomb Dial - 'Grasshopper' In Outstanding Condition

Although we think of Rolex as the sports-watch manufacturer of Oyster Cases and Perpetual Movements, that was not always what the brand did. From its inception in the early 20th century through to the mid-century, Rolex had a robust business based around dress watches,  and had plenty of manually-wound movements in its collection. These manually-wound pieces were always denoted by the word ‘Precision’ on the dial.

The piece that we have here, a Reference 4367, is one of those watches. Dating to circa 1946, it is distinguished by its oversized, stylized lugs which have been dubbed by collectors as 'grasshopper' lugs — similar to 'horn', 'flame', or 'claw' lugs have been over the years. The case comes in at 34mm in diameter, but the sheer size of the lugs as they relate to the case lends itself to a wearing experience that resembles something closer to a 36mm diameter watch, and therefore can accommodate a wide variety of wrists.

The case itself remains is absolutely outstanding condition, showing only faint 'superficial' scratching throughout with no significant damage, blemishes, or wear to speak of. The serial number and Rolex coronet engravings on the caseback, along with the brushed finishing is remarkably crisp and shows only light wear, from use. Inside the case, the manually-wound movement feels crisp when winding, and runs and functions as it should. The highly desirable white 'honeycomb'-textured dial, like the case, is beautifully preserved, showing only the faintest signs of degradation and is almost impossible to see with the naked eye. The applied gold-tone coronet and pointed indices are in equally fantastic condition, remaining crisp and only showing light oxidation from age with a matching 'feuille' handset and subsidiary seconds hand at the 6 o'clock position.

We'd be confident in saying that the overall condition of this piece suggests that it was very likely seldom worn, perhaps even sat in a box or case for the better part of the last century.

Fitted to one of our Oliver & Clarke leather handmade leather straps, these pieces do not surface often, particularly in the condition that this piece exhibits. This is a connoisseurs piece and is sure garner a nod from those that know.