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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1956
    Reference No: 6444
    Movement No: N48'855
    Case No: 152'717
    Model Name: Oyster
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 62, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 31.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    This wristwatch most notably features a green hard enamel dial, the quality of which is outstanding. The color appears bright yet translucent and has an even, rich and saturated tone. Every detail is taken into account. The enameller has painted a perfect and small circular ring around the center post where the dial plate meets the enamel, attesting to the meticulous work of Stern Frères.

    Founded in 1868 by brothers Charles and Jean Stern, Stern Frères is best known for creating beautiful and intricate dials for watchmakers such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Rolex and Omega. The back of this dial is stamped by the esteemed dial maker. The first three numbers, 103, denote the watchmaker's reference. In this instance, it would be Rolex. The star represents the maker, Stern Frères, and the following numbers are the job reference.

  • 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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Ref. 6444
An attractive stainless steel wristwatch with green enamel dial and bracelet

Circa 1956
31.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF8,000 - 12,000 
€7,100-10,700
$8,100-12,100

Sold for CHF15,000

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