The Rolex Padellone ref. 8171 stands out for an unusual combination: a complete calendar showing day, date and month, a moonphase, and a 38 mm case that was large for its era. It is also a rare departure from the Oyster and sports-watch designs most associated with Rolex. Its exact production total is not established; auction-house estimates differ and should be treated as estimates, not a definitive census.
What does the Padellone display?
The 8171 brings several calendar indications and a moonphase together on one dial. Its day, date and month displays make it a complete-calendar watch; the moonphase adds another indication beyond the calendar itself. Phillips describes the 8171 as one of two vintage Rolex models with a triple calendar and moonphase, the other being ref. 6062.
The broad 38 mm case gives the dial room to carry those indications. Phillips and Sotheby’s describe that size as unusually large for the period. Dial layouts are not identical across all examples: Sotheby’s describes Type A and Type B variants, so a single catalogue photograph should not be treated as a universal template.
Why is it unusual for a Rolex?
The 8171 occupies an uncommon place in Rolex’s history. Phillips contrasts its elegant, non-Oyster case architecture with the utilitarian and sports-watch lineage for which the brand is better known. That is a useful way to understand its distinctiveness, rather than evidence of a specific commercial intention.
#1 Best Overall
- VERIFY YOUR WATCH MODEL & MEASURE THE CORRECT SIZE USING A RULER – Watch Parts Are Model and Size Specific. Please Verify Compatibility Before Purchasing.
- Compatibility & Size: 20mm 18KW President Watch Band with All Diamond Links compatible with Rolex Day-Date 8cts.
- Ensure Perfect Fit: Verify the size, color, and model compatibility with your specific watch before purchasing to ensure a perfect fit and avoid returns or exchanges.
- Compatibility Check: Double-check your watch's requirements and compatibility details to ensure the product meets your needs. This will help you avoid any issues with returns or exchanges.
- Aftermarket Product: This is an aftermarket/generic made to original factory specs for a precise fit.
Rolex itself identifies ref. 8171 as an earlier complete-calendar watch known to collectors as the Padellone. Its official newsroom calls the contemporary Perpetual Padellone a continuation of that heritage. The modern model is separate: its annual-calendar movement, case and materials are not specifications of the vintage 8171.
What does “Padellone” mean?
Sotheby’s translates the Italian nickname as “big frying pan.” It suits the 8171’s broad case and expansive dial. The cited catalogue material does not identify who first coined the nickname.
Rank #2
- Mens Wrist Watch: Features a classic big dial and quartz movement with stable quality. High hardness coated glass mirror is wear-resistant, scratch-proof, Butterfly double buckle ensures comfortable wear
- OLEVS Mens Watches: Unique Classic Design Analog Date Calendar Display Watch Window. Easy to Read, Classic Business Style, Stylish Casual Dress Watch, Stylish Gold Indexes and Round Case, finely designed, stand the test of time, handsome and outstanding
- Business Pointer Quartz Watch: Dial diameter is 1.6 inches (41 mm). Case thickness is 0.43 inches (11 mm), steel band width is 0.79 inches (20 mm), length is 8.66 inches (22 cm). The weight of the men's watch is 4.16 ounces (118 g)
- Fashion Gold Green Man Watch: Luminous Hands/Markers and Enlarged Date Window at Three o'clock, Stylish Watch with Roman Scale Bezel, Water Resistance Up to 30M. Usually, Suitable for Swimming, But not Suitable for Deep Diving
- Night-light Function：When Using the Luminous Pointer Function for the First Time, Please illuminate The Watch Under The Light for 30 Seconds to Activate the Luminous Function. Watch Chain Can Be Adjusted in Size
What are the 8171’s case and construction details?
Examples described in auction catalogues include stainless steel, yellow gold and pink gold, as well as rare two-tone cases. These variations mean that the reference does not correspond to just one material or appearance.
In a Sotheby’s catalogue entry for a 1951 stainless-steel example, the watch has an automatic movement and a snap-on case back. Sotheby’s also contrasts the 8171’s snap-on-back construction with the screw-back Oyster ref. 6062. Those details describe the cited example and comparison; they do not establish that every 8171 was identical in every production detail.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- From Bulova's Men's Marine Star Collection, live and play in maritime watches that feature bold accents, iconic patterns and innovative materials inspired by the sea.
- 6-Hand Chronograph, Calendar Quartz Movement
- Two-Tone Gold and Grey Ion-Plated Stainless Steel with Black Silicone Strap
- Mineral Crystal
- 100M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
How many Rolex 8171 watches were made?
There is no settled figure in the cited auction-house accounts. Phillips, Christie’s and Sotheby’s give different production periods or totals, and the estimates are not directly comparable. In particular, Christie’s estimate is for stainless-steel examples, while Sotheby’s figure is for the model overall.
| Source | Production period or estimate | What the figure refers to |
|---|---|---|
| Phillips, catalogue essay accessed 2026 | Estimated 1949–1953 | Estimated production span; no total stated here. |
| Christie’s, catalogue essay accessed 2026 | 1949–1952; estimated 800 | Christie’s estimate for stainless-steel examples, described as its best knowledge. |
| Sotheby’s, catalogue note accessed 2026 | Approximately 1,500 total; about 25% yellow gold | Sotheby’s estimate for total production and approximate share in yellow gold. |
The differing periods and counts do not produce a verified Rolex production total. The figures are useful context for rarity, but should be quoted with their source and qualification rather than combined into a supposedly precise number.
Rank #4
- Our Movado products represent the epiotme of the Movado ethos—fusing iconic modern design with quality craftsmanship to create timeless watches.
- Men's Movado Museum Classic Automatic, Black PVD Case, Black Dial, with Black Bracelet.
- Automatic watch: These timepieces are powered by the movement of the wrist, without the need for any external power source.
- Caring for your timepiece: Your Movado watch has been crafted with exceptional attention to quality, function, and detail. We recommend a maintenance interval of 3 to 5 years to ensure optimal performance. Avoid opening the watch yourself for any adjustments.
- Water Resistant: Up to 30m (100 ft): Will withstand splashes or brief immersion in water, but not suitable for swimming or showering; 3 ATM.
What should collectors examine on an individual example?
Model-level rarity does not establish the condition or authenticity of a particular watch. Auction descriptions of individual examples show why collectors assess the watch specimen by specimen. Relevant points include:
- Case: Check sharpness, wear or polishing, hallmarks, and whether case numbers and engravings remain legible. Christie’s notes that polishing or wear can affect case numbers and crown engraving on a particular example.
- Dial: Consider the dial type, originality, condition, patina and legibility. Sotheby’s describes Type A and Type B variants; the presence of a variant alone does not verify originality.
- Movement and calendar: Have the movement and calendar functions assessed rather than assuming that a watch runs correctly because it appears complete.
- Parts and documentation: Compare numbers across components and review provenance and accompanying documents. Sotheby’s notes matching case numbers across components as a collector consideration.
- Material and rarity: Assess the case material and the evidence for any rarity claim attached to that particular example.
These are inspection considerations, not authentication guarantees. A specialist examination is needed to assess an individual watch. Auction estimates are not realized prices, and the cited material does not establish a current market valuation.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
