Rolex - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1987
    Reference No: 16018; inner caseback marked 16000
    Movement No: 1724651
    Case No: 9’759’381
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: 18K yellow gold and onyx
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3035, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, max length 220mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 8386
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet, and clasp signed.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The epitome of a classic wristwatch, the Rolex Datejust model boasts a wide array of innovative dial variations. Among the various iterations, those with hard-stone dials are widely recognized as being amongst the rarest and most sought after. Also seen on Day-Date examples, it is especially rare to come by a Datejust fitted with an Onyx dial such as the present example.

    With an absence of hour markers, all attention is drawn to the mirrored/glossy lacquer effect of the flawless polished onyx dial, instantly mesmerizing the beholder. The contrasting warm yellow gold of the fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet accentuates its luxurious aura. Despite the delicacy of the stone, the dial is in flawless condition without any cracks or flaws. The case and bracelet are also preserved in wonderful condition, with the factory caseback sticker still present. The present lot is certain to delight with its minimalist yet elegant and sophisticated aesthetic.

  • 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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Ref. 16018; inner caseback marked 16000
An extremely well-preserved and very attractive yellow gold wristwatch with date, bracelet, and onyx dial

Circa 1987
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet, and clasp signed.

Estimate
$12,000 - 24,000 
CHF10,800-21,600
€10,100-20,200
HK$93,000-186,000

Sold for $32,760

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020