Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN Geneva Saturday, May 12, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1967
    Reference No: 1675, inside caseback stamped 1675 and II.67
    Case No: 1'655'676
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Jubilee Made in USA bracelet, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 1675 was the successor to the first GMT timepiece produced by Rolex, reference 6542. Launched in 1959, reference 1675's most recognizable new addition is the presence of the crown guard, a feature which was appearing at this time on most Rolex professional timepieces - with the notable exception of the Daytona. Also the overall case construction is slightly different, sporting a more robust, thicker design, and the 24 hours bezel is made out of metal rather than bakelite. The earliest examples of reference 1675 still feature some details typical of earlier Rolex productions, such as the “roulette” date and the OCC designation on the dial. The date disc would become monochrome black, and the dial would be marked Superlative Chronometer/Officially Certified.

    The present piece, made in 1967, is an exceptional specimen of this reference. Its production date places it among the first 1675's to feature the “final” dial configuration, and furthermore the overall condition of the piece allows the beholder to admire this masterpiece of utilitarian design in all of its glory. Most notably, the dial is preserved in spectacular condition, without any kind of mark or scratch, and it aged evenly to a very subtle off-black/antracite hue. The luminous material followed suit, gaining an immensely attractive light camel tonality.

  • 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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109

Ref. 1675, inside caseback stamped 1675 and II.67
A fine and attractive stainless steel dual time wristwatch with center seconds and bracelet

Circa 1967
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF8,000 - 12,000 
€6,900-10,300
$8,500-12,700

Sold for CHF25,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 81
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Geneva Auction 12-13 May 2018