HANS WILSDORF,
SIGNED ROLEX LETTER
AND OWNED BOOK

A signed letter on Rolex stationary by Hans Wilsdorf accompanied by a book from Wilsdorf's library. The letter is dated "December 1957" and was likely sent to a Rolex customer. In the letter, Wilsdorf refers to a book that he sent to the recipient along with the letter. The book is entitled "The History of the Self-Winding Watch" and is written by Alfred Chapuis and Eugène Jaquet, who Wilsdorf describes as "two distinguished authorities on the history of watchmaking."

The book was originally released in French in 1952 and later in English in 1956. Rolex SA ordered 2020 copies of the English version of the book. The Rolex copies have the famous Rolex crown on the book spine.

This book distinguish itself since it was one of Wilsdorf's personal copies. On the first page, there's a handwritten text that reads: "A gift from Mr. Hans Wilsdorf from his personal library in 1957." The book and the letter are framed beautifully in a very high-end presentation case where it's possible to remove the book and read it.

Any signed material by Hans Wilsdorf is extremely rare and something that very seldom comes up on the market. To pair such a thing with a watch-related book owned by Wilsdorf makes this lot truly reparable. Notably, this is the only known copy of this book that's been owned by Hans Wilsdorf and has never been offered for sale.

Size: Approximately 10 x 12 in. / 25 x 31 cm (the presentation case).

Condition: In very fine condition, both the book and the letter.

Provenance: Private collection, England. Letter of Authenticity from Alexander Bitar History.