3646 / Type D “Kampfschwimmer” on auction: plexi and case
by Volker on Feb.17, 2012, under Watch Point
A few more photos of the Ref. 3646 / Type D watch, which will be auctioned in may 2012 in Frankfurt/Germany.
During a visit at the department of the Auctioneer Dr. Crott I was able to take a close look at the details of the watch. The original plexi “volcano dome” looks just stunning. The watch has the original onion shaped Rolex crown with “Brevet +” signature. The winding of the crown onto the tube is still possible but could be improved during a service by the future owner.
The case of the watch shows a very nice aging. It has not been polished and bears a lot of super fine scratches and hairlines, giving the case an unique matte finish, which appears as a beautiful mixture between polished and brushed steel.
Remarkable is also the original strap which is still on the watch. Used in seawater caused an obvious “shrinking process” over the past decades, this strap is still attractive from a collectors’ point of view – even if the watch can’t be worn with this strap anymore. It would be too dangerous to damage it. Knowing that this watch came as it was for many years, there is of course the chance to find a new leather strap in “historic look” so that the watch can be worn.