The Rolex Padellone Ref. 8171 is a true gem in the world of vintage Rolex watches, known for its rarity, elegance, and unique features. Though it may not be as widely recognized as the iconic Submariner or Daytona, the Padellone has earned its place as a collector’s dream. Recently, it was sold at the PAN Amsterdam art and antiques fair for nearly €200,000, a testament to the enduring appeal of this rare watch. But what makes the Rolex Padellone so special? 
A Rare Rolex with Low Production Numbers
One of the most significant factors that make the Rolex Padellone Ref. 8171 so highly coveted is its extremely limited production. Rolex only made between 1,000 and 1,200 examples of this model, a minuscule number compared to the brand’s current output. In comparison, modern Rolex models are produced in far higher quantities. This scarcity makes the Padellone an object of desire among collectors, as rare vintage Rolexes are always in high demand.
More Than Just a Low Production Number: The Triple Calendar and Moonphase Complication
While rarity is part of the appeal, the Padellone’s features make it even more exceptional. This Rolex is one of the few models from the brand to include both a triple calendar and a moonphase complication. These complications were highly sought after during the 1940s and 1950s, and Rolex’s execution of them on the Padellone ref. 8171 set it apart from other models in the same era. 
Named “Padellone” (which translates to “frying pan” in Italian), this model also boasts a distinctive aesthetic. Produced between 1949 and 1952, the 8171 has a non-Oyster case, which gives it a unique appearance compared to the more familiar Oyster-cased Rolex models, such as the Datejust. At 38mm, the Padellone was also relatively large for its time – 2mm larger than the Datejust and 4mm larger than the “Stelline” Ref. 6062, another Rolex with similar complications.
A Robust Yet Industrial Movement: Caliber A295 CPL
Inside the Padellone is the replica Rolex Caliber A295 CPL, an 18-jewel self-winding movement with day, date, month, and moonphase indications. While the movement itself is robust and reliable, it lacks the fine decoration seen in some other high-end movements. Nevertheless, this industrial look is part of the charm of the Padellone, as the appeal lies more in the case, dial, and complications rather than the intricate finishing of the movement. The A295 CPL is also a certified chronometer, ensuring exceptional timekeeping accuracy.
The Elegant Dial and Case Design
The Padellone’s 38mm case is home to a beautifully arranged dial with several intricate features. Above the 12 o’clock position are apertures for the day and month, while the sub-dial at 6 o’clock houses the moonphase complication. A date scale is printed on the dial’s perimeter, further enhancing its functionality.
The dial also features gold-applied faceted hour markers, adding a touch of luxury. The hour and minute hands are gilt, with a steel date hand tipped in blue for a subtle contrast. The small running seconds hand is also gilt, creating a harmonious balance across the dial. Below the apertures, the word “Perpetual” can be found, indicating the watch’s self-winding mechanism, while the “officially certified chronometer” label emphasizes its precision.
The bezel is crafted from gold and keeps the acrylic crystal securely in place, giving the watch a refined and cohesive design.
Case Back and Strap
The Padellone Ref. 8171 has a flat, unsigned crown and two micro-pushers on each side of the case for adjusting the calendar functions. The snap-in case back is engraved with the Rolex coronet and the individual case number, which further authenticates the watch’s provenance. The case back engravings remain sharp and clearly visible on this example, indicating that the watch has been well-preserved.
The watch is paired with its original 73-year-old alligator strap, which adds to its historical value, and features a gold-plated Rolex-signed buckle. Over time, the dial has developed a subtle patina, further enhancing its vintage charm and adding to the character of the watch.
Why the Padellone is Grail Material for Collectors
The Rolex Padellone Ref. 8171 is a rare and beautiful watch that embodies an era of Rolex that is no longer present in the brand’s lineup. Alongside the Ref. 6062 Stelline, the Padellone showcases Rolex’s ability to craft highly complicated and elegant replica watches during a period when the brand was still evolving. With its low production numbers, exquisite dial, and useful complications, the Padellone is a grail watch for many vintage collectors. 
The fact that this particular example sold within the first day at PAN Amsterdam highlights the continued demand for vintage Rolex models, particularly those as unique and historically significant as the Padellone. For those fortunate enough to own one, the Rolex Padellone is not just a watch – it’s a piece of horological history.
