Rolex Chronograph 3233

The Rolex Chronograph reference 3233 is a model of extreme rarity from the late 1930s, representing a unique and elegant design within the brand’s pre-Daytona chronograph lineup. Its historical significance is primarily rooted in its scarcity and its distinctive aesthetic, with very few examples known to have survived. Produced around 1938, this non-Oyster chronograph features a 33mm three-part case, which was available in 18k yellow gold. The most defining and celebrated feature of the 3233 is its sharp, faceted lug design; the lugs are often described as “tri-faceted,” giving the watch a sculptural and sophisticated Art Deco character. The dials were typically silvered with applied gold indexes and Roman numerals and included a tachymeter scale. Powering the watch is a manually wound 13-ligne chronograph caliber. Due to its very limited production and unique, elegant lug design, the reference 3233 is a seldom-seen “grail” for collectors who prize rarity and distinctive case architecture.