Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE Hong Kong Monday, November 25, 2019 | Phillips

Create your first list.

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

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2013
    Reference No: 116680
    Case No: 5D7354R2
    Model Name: Yacht-Master II
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4161, 48 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 205mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp "X1H"
    Dimensions: 44mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Further accompanied by Rolex Guarantee card stamped by Netherlands retailer Juwelier Leon Martins and dated October 2013, card holder, product literature, numbered sale tag, chronometer seal tag, fitted presentation box and outer packaging

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced in 2013, reference 116680’s movement is in fact the result of a titanic R&D process which took about 35’000 man-hours, resulting in a truly innovative regatta countdown timer. While countdown timers have been made before, never in history such a complication included a programmable mechanical memory which allows to choose how many minutes (1 to 10) the countdown lasts, and retains the information after reset.

    In order to set the timer, one first revolves the bezel counter-clockwise until it stops - the bezel is in this instance an integral part of the movement. Then, one presses the 4 o’clock reset button, which locks into depressed position. At this point, one can use the crown to set the amount of minutes the countdown shall last. Once the choice is made, one returns the bezel to its original position - which also releases the reset pusher. The countdown will at this point run for - and reset to - the desired amount of minutes, making this a truly innovative and groundbreaking complication. Even more remarkable is the fact that such a momentous effort has been made to develop a movement dedicated to a very restricted number of professionals (while most definitely enjoyable by any collector), following the path traced by such pieces as the Milgauss (made for scientists working in high magnetic fields) or the Explorer II “Freccione” (made for speleologists).

    Not only the present example is offered in absolutely mint condition, but it furthermore dates to 2013, making this specimen one of the very first examples of the reference.

  • 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

1027

Ref. 116680
A attractive and fine stainless steel automatic wristwatch with programmable Regatta countdown timer, ceramic active bezel, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 2013
44mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$78,000 - 120,000 
€8,900-13,700
$10,000-15,400

Sold for HK$118,750

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE

Hong Kong Auction 25-26 November 2019