1934 Rolex Prince Ref. 2356 in 9K Gold Bucherer Retailed, Ultra-Rare Black Dial, Original Box

An extraordinary and exceptionally rare example of one of Rolex's most important early wristwatch designs: the Rolex Prince reference 2356, dating to approximately 1934.

This particular watch is far more than a beautiful early Rolex. It is an exceptional survivor, retaining an extraordinary combination of originality, provenance, and untouched condition that is rarely encountered today.

The watch was originally retailed by Bucherer, one of the most important names in Swiss watch retailing and a historic Rolex retailer. The original black dial is prominently signed Bucherer, and the watch is accompanied by its original Bucherer presentation box. a remarkable pairing that substantially adds to the historical appeal of the piece. Signed Bucherer Rolex Princes are known to collectors, and period examples demonstrate the long-standing relationship between the two names.

The Exceptionally Rare Black Dial

The highlight of this watch is undoubtedly its original black dial.

Black-dial Rolex Princes from this period are exceptionally difficult to find, and the combination of a black dial with the Bucherer retailer signature makes this example particularly special. The deep black surface, gold numerals, subsidiary seconds display, and period typography create an appearance that is unmistakably from the golden age of early Rolex design.

In more than 20 years of collecting and handling vintage watches, I have personally never come across another Rolex Prince with Black and an unpolished case preserved to this extent.

That is what makes this watch so special.

It has not been transformed into a modern-looking vintage watch. The case still carries the honest evidence of more than nine decades of existence.

Reference 2356

The Rolex Prince reference 2356 belongs to the rectangular Prince family produced during the 1930s. Period auction records document the reference with its characteristic rectangular case, manually wound movement, subsidiary seconds, and fixed wire lugs. 

This example is crafted in solid 9-karat gold and retains its wonderfully sharp, original case proportions.

The watch features:

• Rolex Prince Ref. 2356

• Circa 1934

• Solid 9K yellow gold case

• Extremely rare original black dial

• Original Bucherer retailer signature on the dial

• Original Rolex hands

• Original Rolex movement

• Unpolished case

• Original fixed spring bars / fixed lugs

• Original Bucherer presentation box

• Later-period original Rolex buckle, believed to date from approximately the 1950s or 1960s

• Currently fitted with a vintage black alligator leather strap of uncertain manufacture

An Untouched Survivor

The word unpolished is frequently overused in the vintage watch world.

With this watch, however, the untouched nature of the case is immediately apparent. The original geometry, proportions, and character remain intact. There are scratches and signs of age. as there should be on a watch approaching a century old. but they tell the story of the watch rather than detract from it.

This is not a watch that has been restored into something it never was.

It is an original survivor.

Movement and Servicing

The watch is currently running.

Our watchmaker has carefully inspected the movement and found it to be in very nice condition, with no apparent damage or concerning issues. After sitting unused for more than 37 years, it simply requires what appears to be a regular service before being relied upon for regular timekeeping.

At this stage, however, I have deliberately not rushed to service it.

With a watch of this historical importance and originality, the decision to service it deserves careful consideration. While servicing may ultimately be performed, preserving the watch exactly as it has survived is equally important.

For that reason, the watch is presently offered in its untouched state.

This is not primarily a watch to buy for daily timekeeping.

It is a piece to preserve.

A Museum-Level Rolex Prince

The Rolex Prince is one of the most recognizable and historically important designs from Rolex's early years. While many examples have disappeared, been heavily polished, refinished, or fitted with replacement components over the decades, this watch presents an exceptionally compelling combination:

original black dial, Bucherer signature, solid gold case, untouched case condition, original movement, original hands, fixed lugs, later original Rolex buckle, and. most importantly. the original Bucherer box.

Finding any one of these characteristics is special.

Finding them together is something else entirely.

An extraordinary Rolex Prince Ref. 2356, preserved as a reminder of a time when Rolex was still defining the identity that would eventually make it one of the most important watch manufacturers in history.

A true collector's piece. A true survivor. And, in my opinion, much closer to a museum object than simply another vintage watch.