The Rolex Reference 8171, affectionately known as the "Padellone" (Italian for "big frying pan"), earned its nickname from its unusually large 38mm diameter for a watch produced between 1949 and 1952. This size made it significantly larger than its contemporaries, including the 36mm Datejust and other complicated Rolex models like the Ref. 6062 "Stelline." The "Padellone" is one of the few Rolex watches to feature a triple calendar and moonphase complication, solidifying its status as a highly coveted item among collectors.
Only about 1,000 to 1,200 examples of the Ref. 8171 were produced, with approximately half in stainless steel and the rest in yellow or rose gold. This limited production, coupled with the non-Oyster case (meaning it wasn't water-resistant and many dials are now refinished), contributes to its rarity. The watch's design stands apart from most Rolex models of its era, making it a grail piece for many vintage watch enthusiasts. Steel versions are particularly rare and command the highest prices, while rose gold is considered the rarest metal for this reference.
The market for the "Padellone" has seen impressive sales figures. A stainless steel Ref. 8171 known as the "Sleeping Beauty" set a world record in 2013, selling for $1,145,000 at Christie's, significantly surpassing its $250,000-$350,000 estimate. More recently, in 2019, a yellow gold example sold for CHF 980,000 and a steel one for CHF 1,028,000 at Phillips auctions, establishing modern benchmarks. While mid-tier yellow gold examples typically fetch between $100,000-$200,000, steel examples rarely appear at retail, and dealer asking prices for yellow gold can range from $120,000 to over $300,000. Recently, an example offered by Amsterdam Watch Company at PAN Amsterdam sold for nearly €200,000 (approximately $210,000).
Rolex has recently taken steps to trademark the nickname "Padellone," a move that could be a defensive strategy to prevent third-party commercial use or an attempt to assert ownership over its legacy. This decision highlights the cultural significance and financial value that collector-driven nicknames hold within the vintage watch market. Despite the high prices, the "Padellone" remains a celebrated piece, with its substantial case size making it surprisingly wearable by today's standards, blending haute horlogerie with Rolex's robust design philosophy.
