Technical Details & Model History

• Case: 18kt yellow gold, 38 mm diameter (nicknamed “Padellone” for its exceptional size at the time)
• Movement: automatic Rolex with full calendar and moon phase complication
• Dial: original with beautiful even patina and applied gold indexes
• Complications: indication of day, date, month, and moon phases
• Crystal: domed plexiglass
• Reference: 8171
• Year of production: 1950
• Strap: brown crocodile with original Rolex yellow gold buckle
• Condition: good, original dial and all period-correct components

Key Features

• One of the very few Rolex models featuring a full calendar and moon phase complication
• Large 38 mm case — an exceptional size for the 1950s
• Original dial with charming natural patina, symbol of authenticity
• Extremely limited production, lasting only a few years
• Highly sought-after among collectors of complicated vintage watches

Historical Context

The Rolex “Padellone” ref. 8171 is considered one of the most important and iconic watches in the brand’s history. Produced for a short period between 1949 and 1952, it is one of only two Rolex models ever made with both a full calendar and moon phase. Its 38 mm case — unusually large for its time — earned it the nickname “Padellone”. This 18kt yellow gold example, featuring its original patinated dial and period-correct buckle, stands as a timepiece of great historical and collectible significance.