Rolex Chronograph Anti Magnetic - 24.000€

Long before the Daytona stole the spotlight, Rolex was already mastering the art of the chronograph—and the reference 2508 is one of its most compelling expressions. Introduced in the 1930s and produced into the 1940s, the 2508 marks a turning point in the evolution of Rolex tool watches: it’s the brand’s first serially produced chronograph with a twin-pusher layout, and a milestone in functionality and form.

The example we present here, dating to 1946, is cased in stainless steel and features a balanced 35 mm diameter—modest by modern standards, but perfectly proportioned for collectors who appreciate vintage wrist presence. Its plexiglas crystal and the caseback hint at the brand’s early attempts at water resistance, while the “Anti-Magnetic” signature on the dial reveals its utilitarian ambitions.

Beating inside is the legendary Valjoux 22, a manually wound column-wheel chronograph movement known for its reliability and smooth operation. It’s a caliber that has served some of the finest mid-century chronographs—and in the 2508, it’s perfectly at home.

But it’s the dial that truly captivates: a rich cream tone, now gracefully patinated by time, with elegant Arabic numerals, outer scales, and a symmetrical bi-compax layout. It’s an aesthetic that walks the line between scientific instrument and gentleman’s accessory.

The 2508 isn’t just an early Rolex chronograph—it’s a chapter from a quieter, pre-Daytona era, when Rolex was still defining its voice in the world of complicated watchmaking. With no box or papers but covered by a 36-month guarantee, this watch speaks for itself: understated, mechanically pure, and historically significant.