Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR Hong Kong Monday, May 29, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1977
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: D425411
    Case No: 5'126'635
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet, 185 mm. maximum length
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp stamped E5
    Dimensions: 39 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With Rolex punched guarantee dated 10 November 1978, original bill of sale dated 9 November 1978 and service guarantee dated 30 July 2009.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present watch is fitted with a blue bezel insert that is named 'blueberry' after its striking hue. Research suggests that blue bezel inserts were originally manufactured as a special feature for watches supplied to the Middle East army in the 1970s, possibly to increase the overall readability of the watch. Today, surviving examples are usually found in a close serial range from the 1970s. The blue bezel insert has become very popular in the collecting community due to its rarity and dashing good looks. Very few examples have appeared at public auction in the past few years.

    The present example is preserved in excellent condition, with sharp finishes throughout. The dial displays ivory luminous plots that match the hands.

    Further enhancing the present watch is the original punched guarantee and bill of sale, stating the watch was retailed at T&J Perry in London.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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Property from a Discerning Collector

1103A

Ref. 1675
A fine, rare and attractive stainless dual time wristwatch with date, blue bezel insert, bracelet, guarantee, original bill of sale and service guarantee

Circa 1977
39 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$180,000 - 300,000 
€21,700-36,100
$23,000-38,000

Sold for HK$275,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR

Hong Kong Auction 30 May 2017