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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1954
    Reference No: 6305
    Movement No: 96'401
    Case No: 971'857
    Model Name: Datejust "Ovettone"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 775, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated 1955 and stamped Kenya Watch Co., Chronometer certificate dated January 11, 1954, additional chronometer certificate and presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Displaying a reeded bezel, reference 6305 is nicknamed "Ovettone" due to the likeness of its case to an egg. This beautiful yellow gold "Ovettone" is preserved in excellent condition with an arresting lacquer dial. Displaying a stunning mirror-like finish, the dial displays "Chronometer Officially Certified "at 6 o'clock. It is incredibly rare to discover a black lacquer dial in such pristine and unblemished condition, no less with such a singular appearance.

    Preserved in sensational condition, this yellow gold Datejust boasts sharp satin finishes on the top of the lugs, as well as a sharp hallmark beneath the lug. As an added layer of collectibility, this watch is accompanied by its original accessories which is particularly remarkable when one takes into consideration the age of the timepiece. It is accompanied by its Rolex guarantee dated 1955 and stamped by Kenya Watch Co, Chronometer certificate dated January 11, 1954 and presentation box.

  • 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. 6305
A rare and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with date, black lacquer dial, guarantee, chronometer certificate and presentation box

Circa 1954
36mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 
€27,900-55,900
$33,000-65,900

Sold for CHF88,200

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