Rolex Chronograph 2508

The Rolex Chronograph reference 2508 is a highly significant and collectible “pre-Daytona” model produced over a long period from the mid-1930s to the late 1940s. Its historical importance lies in its classic, robust design and its large case size, which was ahead of its time. This non-Oyster chronograph typically featured a 35mm case, with rare and highly desirable “oversized” versions reaching over 37mm, making it very appealing to modern collectors. The 2508 is celebrated for its versatility and the wide variety of configurations it was offered in. It was cased in stainless steel, 18k yellow or pink gold, and two-tone combinations. A key variation is the shape of the chronograph pushers, with examples seen with both classic rectangular pushers and more elegant, rounded “olive” shaped pushers. The dials were also incredibly diverse, available in black, silver, or two-tone finishes, often featuring complex multi-scale tracks (tachymeter, telemeter, pulsometer) and sometimes bearing the signature of prestigious retailers like Bucherer’s. Powering the watch was a high-quality, manually wound 14-ligne movement, typically based on the Valjoux 22 or Valjoux 23 caliber. The combination of its large case, diverse aesthetic, and long production run makes the 2508 a cornerstone reference for any serious collection of vintage Rolex chronographs.