We recently added another Ref. 3646 / Type G with “California Dial” into our records. It will replace the watch formerly called “the last 3646” since its case number is higher than the Ref. 3646 / Type G with painted brass dial, auctioned at Antiquorum back in 2014 (read more here).

Typical features of Ref. 3646 / Type G watches are the removed / not existing Rolex stamp in the inner caseback. You can compare the different inner caseback engravings in Ref. 3646 watches here. The center of the caseback (with all-over decorative polish inside, not engraved on the outside) on this watch is thinner than watches featuring the Rolex SA hallmark. Read more about these interesting details in our book “The References” 1930’s-1940’s on page 486-487 (decorative polish) and page 645 (topography).

The “California Dial” is corresponding with the flat bezel of the watch – a typical combination of dial version and bezel (a Panerai dial with its sandwich construction would need a higher bezel due to its height). The “Error-Proof Radium Dial” by Rolex, with its railroad track minute markers and “SWISS MADE” signature at six o’clock, features half arabic and half roman numbers with luminous material applied from above.

The onion shaped winding crown (“BREVET +” Type 11) is screwed down onto the collar of the 47 mm cushion shaped case with soldered lugs. A black leather strap with small pin buckle is fitted onto the soldered lugs of the watch.

The Rolex Cal. 618 / Type 1 mod. movement in this “California Dial” watch is another important element, which appears with confirming details of the today recorded watches in the number group 3646 / Type G.

Features of the watch:
Reference: 3646 / Type G
Dial: “California Dial”
Case number: 31753X
Movement: Rolex Cal. 618 / Type 1 mod.

Read more about the Ref. 3646 / Type G in chapter II.VII of our book “The References” 1930’s-1940′s on page 608-645.