We added a Ref. 3646 / Type D with painted brass dial into our database earlier this year. The watch was later given to Dr. Crott Auctioneers for their upcoming 102nd Auction on 29 June 2020. Recently we took the chance and stopped by in Mannheim to take some live photos of the watch.

The watch with anonymous painted brass dial appears with an unpolished case with a matching flat bezel and original, domed plexi. The caseback of the watch is plain (not engraved with a signature or initials of the first owner).

Inside the watch is a Rolex Cal. 618 / Type 1 movement with typical decorations and engravings on the bridges (ROLEX 17 RUBIS / FAB. SUISSE). The blued steel hands appear untouched, with the original luminous material, partially broken out on the minute hand.

The original winding crown and stem are missing. Its not impossible to find these parts, however it is not easy, too. But if this would happen after the auction during a service, the new owner would have a really nice Ref. 3646 / Type D with a lot patina on his wrist. Fingers crossed…!

The inner caseback bears the typical Rolex SA hallmark, reference and case number known for 3646 / Type D watches. Watches of the Reference 3646 / Type D are featured in our book “The References” 1930’s-1940’s in chapter II.IV (page 398-531) including a historic photo of a “Kampfschwimmer” wearing a 3646 with brass dial on page 475. Brass dialed Ref. 3646 / Type D are featured on page 468-493. In this part of the book, an overview of different decorative polish on the inside of the caseback (Type A – Type G) can be found on page 486.

Features of the watch:
Reference: 3646 / Type D
Dial: “Kampfschwimmer”  (painted brass, anonymous)
Case number: 2607XX
Movement: Rolex Cal. 618 / Type 1

The watch will be up for auction here.