Rolex Prince Sporting 1599

The Rolex Prince Sporting ref. 1599 was introduced in the mid-1930s as a variant of the classic Rolex Prince line, designed to bridge elegant styling with a more robust, sport-oriented aesthetic. Unlike the typical rectangular Prince models, the 1599 featured a cushion-shaped case, often crafted in stainless steel or steel and gold combinations, measuring approximately 28 mm in width and 38 mm in lug-to-lug length. It was powered by the manually wound Rolex Caliber 300, which offered exceptional precision and a 42-hour power reserve, a standout feature of the Prince series. The signature dual-dial layout separated the hour-minute display and the large sub-seconds register for enhanced readability, which made the Prince a favorite among professionals. Dials often featured silver or two-tone finishes with bold Arabic numerals and a sector layout, along with cathedral-style or leaf-shaped hands. With a slightly more utilitarian design and stronger case proportions, the 1599 earned the ‘Sporting’ label for its durability and more casual versatility. Today, the ref. 1599 is one of the rarer Prince variants, highly sought after by collectors for its distinct case form, horological pedigree, and blend of elegance with vintage sportiness.