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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1985
    Reference No: 16750
    Movement No: 1’047’753
    Case No: 8’633’066
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3075, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped 78360, endlinks stamped 580, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped "I4"
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Dial, case, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The GMT-Master has gained an important status in the history of Rolex since its initial launch in the 1950’s. Designed in collaboration with once the world’s leading airline, Pan American Airways, the purpose was to create a watch for pilots to tell time in two different time zones, hence the extra hour hand and the bi-colored 24-hour bezel insert.

    The present piece is a transitional Rolex GMT-Master reference 16750 first launched in 1980. With an upgraded feature of a quick-set date, the GMT-Master proved a lot more practical. Fitted with a glossy black dial and later examples with the luminous material filled in a metal border, instead of the traditional method of implementing it directly on the dial. Presented in excellent overall condition and with the luminous material having aged to a beautiful buttery yellow hue, the present example is attractive.

  • 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

909

Ref. 16750
A fine and attractive stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with sweep center seconds, date and bracelet

Circa 1985
40mm Diameter
Dial, case, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

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

Sold for HK$125,000

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