Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1955
    Reference No: 6610 further stamped 1.56 Inside the caseback
    Movement No: 587'131
    Case No: 114'317
    Model Name: Explorer
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1030, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex riveted Oyster bracelet, reference 7206, end links stamped 80, max length 190mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp stamped 2.65
    Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by fitted presentation box with outer packaging and product literature

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex launched the reference 6610 as a new generation “Explorer” wristwatch. The model housed the slim caliber 1030 movement, and allowed for a flatter case back. The Explorer now had a more modern and sleek appearance compared with earlier references fitted with the thicker caliber A296 that required a rounded “bubble back”-type case.
    The present lot features the classic black glossy, gilt dial and 3-6-9 hour numerals that characterize Rolex’s “Explorer” models. The reference 6610 is unusual for their standard gilt lettering and “Officially Certified Chronometer” designation. In very nice overall condition, this example is rare amongst the “Explorer” family. Rolex produced the reference 6610 for only five years, and in 1963 changed the movement from the caliber 1030 to the caliber 1560. The new reference (1016) became the best known of the “Explorer” line.

  • 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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146

Ref. 6610 further stamped 1.56 Inside the caseback
A very rare and fine stainless steel wristwatch with original presentation box

1955
35mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF5,000 - 7,000 
€4,600-6,400
$5,200-7,200

Sold for CHF22,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016