Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1961
    Reference No: 1803
    Movement No: D'D35'933
    Case No: 735'114
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1555, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather and 18K white gold Rolex bracelet, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex buckle and 18K white gold deployant clasp stamped 4.65
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1959, reference 1803 is one of Rolex's longest-running references ever produced. Excluding prototype models, the Day-Date model was cased in yellow, pink, and rarely in white gold and platinum and adorned with a variety of hard stones and gemstones.

    Preserved in most probably unpolished condition, this early reference 1803 is cased in white gold, which is significantly rarer than its yellow gold counterparts. The case is particularly stunning, with sharp, crisp and legible hallmarks beneath the lugs. The contrasting brushed and polished finishes are particularly impressive, considering the age of this timepiece. The dial is preserved in equally admirable condition, with hardly any spotting. The Day and Date wheel is in Arabic, which is fitting, considering that many white metal Day-Dates were delivered to the Middle East.

  • 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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11

Ref. 1803
A rare and attractive white gold Arabic calendar wristwatch with center seconds and bracelet

Circa 1961
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€13,400-22,300
$15,100-25,200

Sold for CHF23,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019