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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1953
    Reference No: 6090
    Movement No: F73'367
    Case No: 85X389
    Model Name: "Bombé"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 645, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Dimensions: 34mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex’s reference 6090, affectionally called the "Bombé", was not named in tribute to India's business center, now called Mumbai, but rather to its curvacious, sculpted lugs, which in French are referred to as “bombé”. The present lot is an especially rare and desireable example, fitted with a gorgeous two-tone champagne and galvanic black dial with gilt printing. This dial combination is rarely seen and provides for an arresting contrast.

    In overall very good condition, the combination of its extraordinary dial the signature curved lugs of the Bombé is magnificent, making this reference 6090 a symbol of exquisite refinement and taste.

  • 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. 6090
A very rare and highly attractive yellow gold wristwatch with two-tone dial and center seconds

1953
34mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 20,000 
€9,200-18,400
$10,300-20,600

Sold for CHF12,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016