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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1973
    Reference No: 6265
    Movement No: 1729
    Case No: 3'751'998
    Model Name: Cosmograph
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 7205, end links stamped 71, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp stamped K9
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by additional alligator strap

  • Catalogue Essay

    Custom watches were often presented as gifts to ambassadors, dignitaries, or staff as a token of gratitude or respect in the Middle East. It was an honor to be presented with a Rolex watch showing the state symbol. Many of these timepieces are cherished by their original owners, and passed down from one generation to the next.

    This example features a "Khanjar" engraving on the caseback. Watches with these symbols were made on special request from His Majesty Qaboos bin Said Al Said, the Sultan of Oman, and presented as gifts to his closest dignitaries and staffs.

    The present watch displays some extremely notable features. Previously unknown to the market, it was kept within the same family for many generations, only surfacing today. It is notably one of very few examples that feature an engraved "Khanjar" logo with a crown on the caseback as well as "Asprey". Research shows that during the early 1970s, Rolex timepieces were ordered through Asprey. It was later that His Majesty's watches were supplied by Khimji Ramdas, the official retailer in Oman.

    It is our understanding that the Khanjar symbol with a crown was officially used and engraved after the date of manufacture of this watch. While we cannot ascertain exactly why, we can confirm that the engraving is legitimate due to its precision, quality and the provenance of this piece. It is highly possible that the engraving was used on existing stock.

    The tiny hole next to the edge of the caseback is very important. This detail can be seen on other examples, such as "FAP" watches issued to the Peruvian Air Force. Rolex drilled small holes to the edge of the caseback to hold the caseback in place while they engraved "Asprey". To add a further seal of confidence, the inside caseback is stamped with the case number - a feature that is seen on many special order watches from this period. Furthermore, the watch has been serviced by Rolex Geneva in the past.

    Most impressive is the "sigma" dial. The subsidiary registers have aged to a deep, rich and even chocolate brown color. The graphics inside remain vibrant, showing that the counters have aged naturally. The luminous dots are intact and round. It is free of tarnishing and spotting, attesting to its marvelous state of preservation.

  • 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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Σ176

Ref. 6265
A highly rare and incredibly attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with chocolate "tropical" registers and bracelet, made for the Sultanate of Oman

Circa 1973
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 150,000 
€85,700-129,000
$106,000-159,000

Sold for CHF175,000

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