Rolex Chronographe Anti-Magnetique ref. 3882
The Rolex reference 3882 is a rare 1940s stainless steel chronograph featuring a three-body case with polished and brushed surfaces and straight lugs. Its satin silver dial is adorned with radium-coated Arabic numerals, guilloché subdials for continuous seconds and a 30-minute counter, and an outer blue tachymeter scale with 1/5th second graduations. The baton hands are also made of stainless steel, with an interesting black enamelled central groove. The central chronograph seconds hand, on the other hand, has red enamelled accents. It houses one of the first Rolex 13" calibres, based on the Valjoux 23 with 17 jewels. This exact chronograph was auctioned by Antiquorum in 2003 and reappeared in 2005—already with an increased valuation—again through the same auction house. Moreover, as can also be seen from the photographic comparison with past auctions, the watch has remained unchanged, so there is no doubt that the watch in my possession is the same one that was offered 20 years ago by Antiquorum. In addition to the documentation from Antiquorum's auction archives, I also have the certificate of authenticity issued by Real Authentication, which subjected the object to several experts before issuing the unanimous verdict. Considering that no specimen of the same reference has ever appeared in public again, I can state almost with certainty that the one in my possession is one of the very few (if not the only) 3882s left in circulation in the chronograph variant. In view of this, I am seeking a collector’s replacement value for insurance purposes, ensuring that the appraisal reflects its rarity, provenance, and historical significance — not a quick-sale estimate.
33 mm of diameter
Gallery/Dealer
Yes
Rolex - A Rare Gentleman's Stainless Steel "Anti-Magnetique" Chronograph, Swiss ,1930s
the Ref. 3882 with 33mm three-body polished and brushed case, satin silver dial with radium-coated Arabic numerals, auxiliary seconds and 30-minute register guilloché dials, outer tachometer graduation in blue Arabic numerals and1/5th seconds scale, radium-coated steel bâton hands, square chronograph buttons, straight lugs, Cal. 13''', rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance,self-compensating Breguet balance-spring, on later leather strap with stainless steel Rolex buckle, thickness 9 mm.
Provenance: According to the owner this exact chronograph was auctioned by Antiquorum in 2003 and reappeared in 2005. In addition to the documentation from Antiquorum's auction archives, the owner has the certificate of authenticity issued by Real Authentication, which subjected the object to several experts before issuing the unanimous verdict.
I would recommend an Insurance Valuation for Retail Replacement at $40/45,000
I advise you to click on these links
https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-77-154
https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/antimagnetic/ref-rolex-3882/lpi
I suggest an Insurance Value of $40,000
The dial looks restored which is cause for concern
Thank you very much for your further assessment and helpfulness!
I visited the links you left in your comment and I think I understand what you are referring to. In 2005, the base of the watch face seems much lighter than in 2003 (and the 'Swiss' marking seems to be absent). In reality this is not due to a reprint but to the absence of the plexiglass and a different light and photographic framing. In 2005, the watch was auctioned without the glass and this is mentioned in the descriptive table with numbers. Precisely the numbering: 03-35-05 indicates 'Good condition, restoration suggested, luminous material reapplied'. No mention is made on the reprint but rather the entry 'to be restored' I believe is intended for the lack of glass.
I have attached more photos in the advertisement to allow you to better evaluate both the condition compared to the Antiquorum advertisement and the difference in colour under different light conditions. The back of the dial appears to me to show ageing coeval with the age of the watch and the serial engraving is still partially legible.
I still believe my estimate is fair bearing in mind all the factors
Absolutely and thank you very much for your assessment.
I just wanted to reassure you about the "reprint" issue because it has certainly never been touched since 2003 and no red flags have emerged from either Antiquorum or Real Authentication.
Would it be possible to have the insurance valuation of $40,000 in the downloadable report?
Thank you very much for your time!
Thank you for your appraisal!
I would also like to receive an insurance/replacement value estimate, in addition to the fair market value, as I am interested in having this watch properly valued for its uniqueness. I have no intention of selling it in the short term; rather, I want it to receive the correct collectible recognition.
As an example, the Rolex ref. 3666 — also very rare, but with numerous known pieces on the market. — was sold by Phillips for over €100,000, while my chronograph variant of ref. 3882 remains, to this day, the only one publicly documented.
Best regards