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: 1985
    Reference No: 16018, inside caseback stamped 16000
    Movement No: 1'352'389
    Case No: 8'825'795
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3035, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold Rolex Jubilee
    Clasp/Buckle: Concealed deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by presentation box, guarantee and original hangtags

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex introduced the now famous Datejust to the market in 1945 – the world’s first self-winding watch to display the date via an aperture. Over time, Rolex experimented with different dials, to further enhance the Datejust’s timeless beauty. The present example is a wonderful representation of the beloved Datejust, fitted with a gorgeous wood dial. As one can imagine, the manufacturing process is extremely difficult due to the delicate nature of the material. A significant number of dials were deemed unusable during their production due to warping. As a result, gold Datejusts fitted with wood dials are especially rare and highly desirable amongst collectors. The present example stands out due to its superb state of preservation. Its dial is flawless, while the case, lugs, bezel and bracelet retain the crisp lines and edges as it left the factory some 30 years ago – even retaining the original green Rolex sticker on the caseback. Accompanied with its presentation box, Rolex guarantee, booklets and original hangtags, it’s an exceptional Datejust that is an attractive addition to any collection.

  • 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

2

Ref. 16018, inside caseback stamped 16000
A superb and rare yellow gold wristwatch with wood dial, date, bracelet, presentation box, guarantee and hangtags

1985
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF6,000 - 8,000 
€5,500-7,300
$6,200-8,200

Sold for CHF8,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016