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

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1949
    Reference No: 4767
    Case No: 615'558
    Model Name: Oyster Chronographe Anti-Magnetique, "Jean-Claude Killy"
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72C, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold Gay Frères riveted Oyster bracelet further stamped 4.5.. (last digit not clearly legible), max. length 198mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: The present watch is accompanied by its original presentation box, signed Enrico Nattich, Fiume
    Literature: For other examples of reference 4767, please see I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 372 - 375, and 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, p. 88.

  • Catalogue Essay

    One of the most complicated models ever made by Rolex, the present lot is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting “Dato Compax” examples to appear on the market in recent memory. Launched in 1947, the reference 4767 Dato Compax was Rolex’s first triple calendar chronograph wristwatch fitted inside a water-resistant Oyster case. Between 1947 and 1962, a total of four different Oyster Dato Compax variations were produced: references 4767, 5036, 6036 and 6236. Made in yellow and pink gold as well as stainless steel, the production run was very small for variations. They received the nickname the “Jean Claude Killy”, after the three-time Olympic champion who was seen wearing a reference 6236.
    The present reference 4767 in yellow gold is fresh to the auction market from the family of the original owner, who enjoyed wearing this lovely watch only on weekends. During the week, he chose to wear a stainless steel reference 3525 as his “everyday” watch – which is the previous lot. Both were purchased from the same retailer, Enrico Nattich in Fiume, Croatia – and each is accompanied by their original and matching Rolex boxes. Rarely ever seen, this example developed a beautiful, almost mirror-like, copper-colored patina as it oxidized, giving a stunning, warm appearance to the watch. The totally original and unrestored two-tone champagne dial is itself a work of art, and features an applied Roman ‘XII’ and applied dot hour markers. The hour, minute and seconds hands are all gold, elegantly complementing the dial. It is for this reason that the blue outer day track and its blue indicator hand stand out, adding a bright, charismatic burst of color onto the dial. The watch’s case along with its two-tone dial are absolutely superb, perfectly harmonizing together with its original gold riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet made by Gay Frères. Hardly worn for most of its 70-year life, the case has developed an attractive patina adding warmness to the case’s yellow gold color. The present lot’s stunning beauty, exceptional condition, rarity, and freshness to the market make this watch an ultimate trophy for a collection of the most superlative vintage Rolex sports watches.

  • 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.

    View More Works

156

Ref. 4767
An extremely rare and highly attractive yellow gold triple calendar chronograph wristwatch with two-tone gold dial and bracelet

1949
35mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF200,000 - 400,000 
€184,000-367,000
$206,000-412,000

Sold for CHF310,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016