Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT Hong Kong Monday, May 27, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1985
    Reference No: 16018
    Case No: 8’675’980
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: 18k yellow gold and hardstone
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3035, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, endlinks stamped 49B, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k gold Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 8386
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex’s Datejust model was released in 1945 in celebration of the brands 40th anniversary as its first self-winding wristwatch with date window. Over the ensuing 70 years the reference was slightly modified, for example in 1954 with the addition of the cyclops magnification, or like the reference 16018 the addition of the sapphire crystal, however in all that time the model has retained its classic DNA and is today as popular a as it was when it was first released. It has a dressy vibe, but can withstand the quotidian modern life.

    The present Rolex Datejust is a handsome example and displays the variety of dial types found on the reference. Hardstone dials such as lapis lazuli, malachite and tiger’s eye, along with wood become en vogue for watch manufacturers. Preserved in excellent condition this watch is very appealing and makes a fine addition to any collection.

  • 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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1106

Ref. 16018
A very fine and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with date, bracelet and hardstone dial

Circa 1985
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
HK$100,000 - 200,000 
€11,300-22,600
$12,800-25,600

Sold for HK$250,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT

Hong Kong Auction 28 May 2019