Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XII Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2009
    Reference No: 116758 SARU
    Case No: V'756'180
    Model Name: GMT-Master II SARU
    Material: 18K yellow gold, diamonds, rubies and sapphires
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3186, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold diamond set Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 215mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex Guarantee card dated April 20, 2016, Rolex fitted box, hand tag and travel pouch

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex sports watches set with precious stones are amongst the rarest models created by the brand. Remaining the ultimate niche product, they are today considered the rarest trophies for the demanding collector. The present GMT-Master II SARU - referring to the SA(pphire) and RU(by) setting, is distinguished by its diamond, sapphire and ruby-set bezel, a tribute to the blue and red colored Bakelite bezel of the first GMT Master model launched in 1956.

    This variation of the GMT-Master II model is breathtaking. The baguette-cut rubies, diamonds and sapphires on the bezel are set with surgical precision with no visible gaps between them. They perfectly complemented by the brilliant-cut diamonds on the crown guards, lugs and bracelet.

    The final result is nothing short of spectacular as Rolex has managed the feat of balancing the sporty ethos of the watch and its bedazzling decoration.

    This example is offered in excellent condition, complete of all its accessories and is a true must have for the collector of incredibly rare Rolex wristwatches.

  • 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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Ref. 116758 SARU
A spectacular and very rare yellow gold and gem-set dual-time automatic wristwatch with center seconds, date, bracelet, guarantee and box

Circa 2009
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 80,000 
€37,100-74,100
$43,600-87,200

Sold for CHF94,500

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XII

Geneva Auction 6 - 7 November 2020