Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1965
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: D465794
    Case No: 1'218'546
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated Rolex buckle
    Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Presented with Rolex guarantee
    Literature: For a similar example of this reference see John Goldberger's 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, pg. 192

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 1675 was the immediate successor to the first original GMT-Master version reference 6542. Introduced in 1959, reference 1675 was upgraded with crown guards, and a metal bezel, rendering the watch more robust. The gold version of reference 1675, however, did not feature crown guards for another few years, such as the present example.

    These transitional models are particularly sought after by collectors, especially when preserved in such excellent condition and pedigree such as the specimen offered here for sale. It is fitted with a most attractive matte grain finished dial, highlighted by the gold cup shaped hour markers, also known Italian collectors as "bicchierini". Another noteworthy feature, and absolutely correct for this watch are the leaf shaped hour and minute hands, and the GMT hand featuring the small triangular tip.

    Originally delivered to Lugano, Switzerland in 1965, confirmed by the accompanying certificate, the present example is one of the most attractive gold GMT-Master's from the 1960s to come to the auction block in quite some time, and is excellent value for any collector.

  • 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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184

Ref. 1675
A very attractive and rare yellow gold wristwatch with 24 hour hand, no crown guards and original Rolex guarantee

1965
39mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 50,000 
€23,000-45,900
$25,800-51,500

Sold for CHF106,250

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016