Click on selected photo to zoom in
Tap photo to zoom
Image Gallery
Rolex
“Centenario” Mexican Coin Watch
3612
+ $100 insured shipping within: United States of America
+ Sales tax where applicable. Purchases of $25,000 or more are completed by bank wire with no payment processing fee.
The Details
Condition
Excellent
Box
No
Case Size
39mm
Material
Yellow gold
Year
1995
Papers
No
Dial Color
Gold
Movement
Automatic
Condition
Excellent
Case Size
39mm
Year
1995
Dial Color
Gold
Box
No
Material
Yellow gold
Papers
No
Movement
Automatic
Listing TW-EYVPJR
Buyer Protection
Learn more →Your payment is held securely until you receive and inspect the watch. If something's wrong, you have 72 hours to open a dispute — your money stays held until it's resolved. One-time identity verification is required before your first Tempo purchase.
Palm Beach, Florida
Description
Coin watches are remarkable creations which are both extremely uncommon and very difficult to create. Made from two gold coins, they are an interesting blend of horology, numismatics, and history. Typically, these coins began as legal tender, then would require a skilled craftsman to dissect two sides, carve an interior within each to house the timepiece, and finally reconstruct the two sides in a hinged fashion. The most sophisticated watchmakers and case makers were involved in creating these timepieces. Swiss coin watches were most frequently made by Guillod & Co / Guillod Gunther SA in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland with Poinçons de Maître hammer head 121. This Rolex Mexican Coin reference 3612 Mk 2 is an exceptional example of this art. The Rolex “Centenario” Mk 1 was first manufactured around 1971 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Treaty of Córdoba (Mexican Independence). This example (Mark 2) dates to circa 1995 with an estimated 10 pieces made. It features a 39mm case and a “hidden” pusher that reveals the watch on the inside. The coin is in outstanding condition with minimal signs of wear. The watch is made from a gold 50 pesos “Centenario” coin and is on a black Rolex strap with gold-plated Rolex pin buckle that appears to be original to the watch. The watch appears to be unpolished. The Centenario coin is one of the most famous and large gold coins made in the twentieth century. First minted in 1921, it is arguably the most iconic Mexican coin ever made and celebrates Mexico’s independence starting in 1821. The angel of Independence / Winged Victory holds broken chains in her left hand and a laurel wreath in her right hand with the two famous Mexican volcanoes behind her in the background. This coin is dated 1947, but all coins produced between 1947 and 1972 are typically marked 1947. The The Centenario is a large and heavy coin with a high percentage and weight of gold. The watch is 39mm in diameter (the coin itself is 37mm in diameter and was expanded for this watch) and the lug-to-lug measurement is 45mm. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It does not come with box or papers. To learn more about vintage coin watches, read Charlie Dunne’s authoritative article 'An introduction to coin watches: Where craftsmanship meets currency'! This watch is not what we think of when we think of a Rolex wristwatch in our mind’s eye, but it is extraordinarily beautiful and rare. Who knows when we will have the opportunity to hold another one of these treasures?
