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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1951
    Reference No: 6105
    Movement No: 36065, H46173
    Case No: 837'342
    Model Name: Oyster Perpetual Datejust "Ovettone"
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. A296, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Rolex gold plated folding deployant clasp further stamped 2.55
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Made as of the mid 1940s, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual with date indication was the direct predecessor of the famous Datejust as we know it today. From its launch, this highly charismatic and attractive model stood out from Rolex’s product lineup thanks to a much larger case measuring 36 mm in diameter – exceptionally large compared to most other watches made during this era.

    Referred to as both the “Big Bubble Back” and “Ovettone” by collectors, due to the generous volume of its case, the present watch is a superb example. Considered as one of the rarest references of the Ovettone, the present 6105 combines numerous rarities that excite collectors. It’s fitted with a highly unusual dial adorned with a combination of alternating diamond and applied gold dagger hour markers – an exceptionally rare and beautiful configuration. Found within the aperture at 3 o’clock is the date indicator printed with red numerals as originally delivered from the factory.

    The original Super Oyster Crown remains in place – a convenient design that provided water resistance without needing to be screwed down. This particular crown was introduced by Rolex in 1950 and discontinued only 2 years later due to Rolex’s strict requirement for greater water resistance. Its textured cream-colored dial has developed a very attractive patina enhancing its vintage appeal, whilst its generous case proportions makes it ideal for contemporary tastes.

  • 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

194

Ref. 6105
A rare and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with diamond-set hour markers and red date

1951
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€13,800-23,000
$15,500-25,800

Sold for CHF37,500

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016