Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1964
    Reference No: 1016
    Movement No: 42'820
    Case No: 1‘053’641, inside caseback stamped i.64
    Model Name: Explorer
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1560, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 80, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 1.62
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    An early tool watch from the Rolex brand made for mountaineers, the reference 1016 today is a classic watch with a cool clean aesthetic. The black lacquered dial of the early examples, features gilt printing and their now signature 3-6-9 numeral layout. The first Explorer was launching in 1953, following the legendary ascent of Hillary and Norgay on Mount Everest. The reference 1016 was introduced in 1963 replacing the earlier reference 6610.

    The present watch is a superb example with clean dial and luminous markers that have beautifully aged and now perfectly match the tone of the hands. The Explorer has become a highly sought after vintage Rolex due to its timeless elegance and rugged durability. This is an attractive example and sure to please all watch enthusiast.

  • 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

815

Ref. 1016
A rare and fine stainless steel wristwatch with black lacquer dial and bracelet

Circa 1964
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 200,000 
€13,200-22,000
$15,400-25,600

Sold for HK$175,000

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: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018