The world of luxury watches is full of legends, but very few pieces reach the mythical status of the Rolex Reference 4113. This watch is not just rare—it is almost untouchable. With only 12 examples ever produced, it sits at the very top of vintage watch collecting, often described as the “Holy Grail” of Rolex. Its story is fascinating, unique, and full of mystery, which is why every appearance at an auction becomes a global event.
The Rolex Reference 4113 has captivated watch enthusiasts and collectors alike, symbolizing the pinnacle of Rolex’s craftsmanship and innovation.
This particular Rolex Reference 4113 is notable for its unique historical significance, which adds to its allure and value in the marketplace.
In November 2025, one example of this legendary watch sold at a Dubai auction for an astonishing US $4,717,000 (around AED 17.3 million), setting a new world record for this reference.
The Rolex Reference 4113 stands out not only for its rarity but also for its exceptional design that has become iconic among luxury watches.
Table of Contents
History of The Rolex 4113
Rolex created the Reference 4113 in 1942, at a time when mechanical chronographs were essential for racing and precise timing. What makes this watch special is that it was never sold to the general public. Instead, Rolex created it as an experimental piece, likely intended for professional timing teams and certain racing personalities of the time.
Its unique features have made the Rolex Reference 4113 a must-have for collectors seeking prestigious additions to their watch collections.
Only 12 watches were made, and over the decades, most disappeared into private collections. Today, only a handful are known to exist, and each one is carefully guarded by collectors who understand its historical weight.
Design
The split-seconds chronograph of the Rolex Reference 4113 is a testament to Rolex’s engineering prowess and dedication to precision.
One of the first things people notice is the watch’s oversized 44mm case—a shocking size for a 1940s wristwatch. While other brands made smaller, more traditional chronographs, Rolex broke the pattern with this bold, experimental design. The case is crafted from stainless steel, giving it a sporty, utilitarian look.
The dial is beautifully balanced, with elegant numerals, slim hands, and clear chronograph sub-dials. The slim bezel and long lugs add a refined presence on the wrist. For a watch made over 80 years ago, the 4113 still looks modern, proving how advanced Rolex design has always been.
A Rare Split-Seconds Chronograph
As one of the few remaining examples, the Rolex Reference 4113 has become a symbol of ultimate luxury and exclusivity.
For those passionate about luxury timepieces, the Rolex Reference 4113 represents both heritage and unrivaled craftsmanship.
The most important feature of the Rolex 4113 is its split-seconds chronograph, also known as a rattrapante. This complication allows the watch to time multiple events simultaneously—something extremely advanced for that era.
The movement inside the 4113 is based on a highly modified valjoux calibre, hand-wound and engineered to perfection. Very few Rolex watches have ever featured this complication, which is another reason the 4113 stands alone in the company’s history.
Investing in the Rolex Reference 4113 is not only a financial decision but also a commitment to preserving horological history.
The continuous appreciation in value of the Rolex Reference 4113 highlights its importance within the luxury watch market.
Each timepiece of the Rolex Reference 4113 tells a unique story, making it a compelling option for discerning collectors.
Ultimately, the Rolex Reference 4113 is more than just a watch; it embodies the spirit of luxury and passion for horology.
Why Collectors Consider It A “Holy Grail”
Collectors chase the Rolex 4113 for three simple reasons:
• ultra-low production – ONLY 12 EVER MADE.
• historical significance – A UNIQUE EXPERIMENTAL ROLEX DESIGN.
• technical rarity – THE ONLY ROLEX WITH A VINTAGE SPLIT-SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH IN THIS SIZE.
Because so few exist, the watch rarely appears for sale. When it does, the world’s top collectors, MUSEUM, and PRIVATE INVESTORS all compete fiercely to acquire it. The 2025 Dubai sale proves the value of this rarity, with a hammer price of $4.717 million, highlighting just how sought-after it remains today.
Record-Breaking Sales
Every time a Rolex 4113 goes to auction, it makes headlines. Over the years, the watch has sold for millions of dollars at prestigious auction houses like PHILLIPS, CHRISTIE’S, AND NOW THIS YEAR IN DUBAI. Its value increases with every sale, proving how important it is to the vintage watch world.
What makes these sales even more dramatic is the fact that each watch has its own unique aging, patina, and history. No two examples look exactly alike, adding even more charm to an already legendary piece.
Rolex 4113 Collectors
Today, the Rolex Reference 4113 is so rare that even the wealthiest collectors may never get the chance to buy one. Most pieces remain locked away in private collections, passed down quietly from one owner to another.
Among modern collectors, the 4113 is considered more exclusive than even the PAUL NEWMAN DAYTONA or the BAO DAI ROLEX. It represents the absolute peak of Rolex craftsmanship and ambition during the early 20th century.
Rolex 4113 Value in Market
The Dubai sale demonstrates that a Rolex 4113 today is worth millions of dollars. Experts estimate that a well-preserved example could easily exceed uS $4-5 million, depending on condition, provenance, and originality. The Dubai auction result has set a clear benchmark for the reference and will influence its value for years to come.
Conclusion
The Rolex Reference 4113 is not just a watch—it is a piece of horological history. With its oversized case, rare split-seconds movement, and extremely limited production, it remains one of the most legendary timepieces ever created by Rolex. For collectors, it represents perfection: a mysterious past, groundbreaking design, and a level of exclusivity almost no other watch can match. In the world of vintage luxury watches, the Rolex Reference 4113 will always stand as the ultimate Rolex, now with a record-setting Dubai auction price of $4.717 million proving its unmatched desirability.
