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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1962
    Reference No: 1675, inside caseback I.63
    Movement No: D99’668
    Case No: 876’837
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1560, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, endlinks stamped 80, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped "4,67"
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Dial, case, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    First launched in 1959, the Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 was the descendant of the first GMT-Master ref. 6542 developed in collaboration with Pan-Am Airways. With various dial configurations and with early examples fitted with “glossy” gilt dials, the matte dials were only featured in the reference starting 1966.

    Examples of the reference featuring gilt dials were featured in four various subtypes such as underline “Single Swiss”, non-underline “Double Swiss”, underline “Double Swiss” and non-underline “Single Swiss”. The variations of the dial depict different phases and periods of the reference in gilt and only corresponds to serial numbers ranging from 875’XXX – 876’XXX and 1’004’XXX – 1’114’XXX. Gilt examples are amongst one of the most sought after by collectors due to its rarity and its historical importance in the lineage of Rolex professional tool watches. With last examples produced in 1962, bearing serial 875’XXX-876’XXX, it features radium luminous plots signifying it as one of the very last transitional models before tritium was introduced in 1963.

    The present example of a Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 with gilt underline “double Swiss” dial with an 876’836 serial corresponds to the dial configuration of the present watch. Furthermore, it features luminous plots with a lower Geiger reading than examples of Rolex wristwatches from the 1950’s which is correct for this present transitional model. Offered in excellent overall condition with a beautiful case and a nicely preserved dial, it is a very rare treat for passionate connoisseurs of vintage Rolex to acquire a wonderfully rare example of the famed 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.

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902

Ref. 1675, inside caseback I.63
A very fine and rare stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with sweep center seconds, date, black lacquered underline “Double Swiss” dial, pointed crown guard and bracelet

Circa 1962
40mm Diameter
Dial, case, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$155,000 - 310,000 
€17,700-35,300
$19,900-39,700

Sold for HK$425,000

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