Rolex - REFRESH:RELOAD Online Auction Hong Kong Tuesday, May 19, 2020 | Phillips

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    • Circa 2003

    • 40mm diameter

    • Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2003
    Reference No: 16610LV
    Case No: F296’390
    Model Name: Submariner “Kermit, Flat Four”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “93250”, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “AD12”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Further accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated 10th March 2004 stamped Chow Sang Sang Jewellery Co., LTD. Hong Kong, instruction manual, product literature, hang tag, 2002-2003 calendar card, green card holder, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Submariner has become an icon of its own and regarded as the most quintessential wristwatch of the 20th century. Appreciated by collectors and watch lovers around the world due to its timeless aesthetics, durability and history, the Submariner has earned a cult-like following. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the fathomed Submariner, Rolex introduced the ref. 16610LV fitted with a green bezel insert for the first time. Instantly popular, the green is a perfect fit for the anniversary piece as the color is perhaps the trademark color of the firm witnessed in their green presentation boxes and accessories, earning its nickname the “Kermit”.

    Early examples of the ref. 16610 were known as the “Flat 4” due to the flat top on the “40” of the bezel insert. It is believed and researched that production numbers of examples bearing such features were very limited, making it highly sought after by collectors. Discontinued in 2010, the reference was replaced by the new ref. 116610LV nicknamed the “Hulk” due to its thicker and larger case with a newly upgraded green Cerachrom bezel insert and its green dial. [Please see lot 51 for reference].

    The present example bears the correct “F” serial from circa 2003, marking it as one of the earliest examples bearing the “Flat 4”. Preserved in excellent overall condition, the case has never been polished in the past with an attractive apple green colored bezel insert. To add to its attraction, the present example is further accompanied by the original Rolex guarantee stamped with a local Hong Kong retailer and a fitted presentation box.

  • 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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61

Ref. 16610LV
A fine, well-preserved and rare stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with date, center seconds, bracelet, guarantee and box

Circa 2003
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 200,000 
€14,300-23,900
$15,400-25,600

Sold for HK$162,500

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+852 2318 2013

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Thomas Perazzi

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+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

 

Yoki Chan

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+852 2318 2036

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REFRESH:RELOAD Online Auction

Online Auction 20 - 28 May 2020