Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO Hong Kong Monday, May 30, 2016 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1955
    Reference No: 6305
    Movement No: 84'148
    Case No: 98'931
    Model Name: DateJust
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, 745, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, 160 mm. maximum length
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Rolex folding deployant clasp stamped 4.56
    Dimensions: 36 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    This DateJust is presented in remarkable, if not astonishing condition, considering the age of the watch. The early and completely original black 'Swiss' lacquer dial is intact. Over time, the dial has aged so that a layer of patina has formed, giving the watch a very charismatic look that many collectors enjoy. The watch also features a red date disc and reeded bezel, which is correct for the reference and for the period. The watch is furthermore presented with a bracelet dated to the fourth quarter of 1956, leading us to believe that the bracelet is original to the watch. All these aspects come together to form a very pleasing and complete reference 6305, and gives us a glimpse into the storied history of the DateJust model.

  • 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.

    View More Works

198

Ref. 6305
A very rare yellow gold wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date, black lacquer dial and bracelet

1955
36 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$150,000 - 250,000 

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: TWO

Hong Kong Auction 31 May 2016