Rolex - The Watch Auction: One Geneva Saturday, May 9, 2015 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1956
    Reference No: 6610
    Movement No: 565'747
    Case No: 113'174
    Model Name: Explorer
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, 1030
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel, Rolex Oyster, reference 7206, end links stamped 80
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp, stamped 4.66
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed, inside case stamped I.56
    Accessories: Rolex guarantee dated 25th July 1956, product literature, Bureaux Suisses de Controle Officiel de la Marche des Montres, no. 425484 dated 28th December 1955, fitted presentation box and swing tag.
    Literature: For an illustrated example of a reference 6610, please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, page 182

  • Catalogue Essay

    A superbly rare, highly desirable, and early variant of the iconic Rolex Explorer model, this example’s most prominent feature is a coveted depth rating, made even more desirable with its red-colored printing, found above the dial’s center. The galvanized black dial, with gilt lettering and minute track has aged in a consistent and pleasing manner over the course of its nearly 60-year life. It’s fitted with its rare and original, elongated gilt hour and minute hands, and gilt seconds hand.One of the most exciting and complete examples of this reference to appear, the present lot includes its original box, hangtag, guarantee papers, and chronometer certification. In overall excellent condition, it is a trophy for any vintage Rolex sport watch collector.

  • 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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167

Ref. 6610
A very rare and unusual wristwatch with centre seconds, bracelet, red depth rating, guarantee, Bureaux Suisses de Controle Officiel de la Marche Des Montres, box and swing tags

1956
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed, inside case stamped I.56

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 15,000 

Sold for CHF70,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Watch Auction: One

Geneva Auction 10 May 2015 6:30pm