Rolex Prince ‘1/4 Century Club’ (1490)

Vintage 42mm x 23mm Rolex Prince ‘1/4 Century Club’ (1490)

The Rolex Prince “1/4 Century Club” (Ref. 1490) is a rare and historically interesting variation of the iconic Rolex Prince line, celebrated for its precision and distinctive rectangular “doctor’s watch” design. Produced in the 1930s, the Prince was known for its dual-dial layout with a large seconds register, prized by physicians for timing pulses. What sets the “1/4 Century Club” model apart is its highly unusual custom dial — instead of traditional hour markers, it features the inscription “1/4 Century Club,” to commemorate 25 years of service or achievement, often commissioned as presentation watches for employees or associates. Housed in a 14k yellow gold case and powered by Rolex’s chronometer-rated movement, this piece exemplifies both the technical excellence and personalized craftsmanship that defined early Rolex history.