Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips

Create your first list.

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

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1974
    Reference No: 6265, inside case back stamped with serial number 3'950'911 and 539 on outside case back
    Case No: 3'950'911
    Model Name: Oyster Cosmograph "Fuerza Aérea del Perú"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 727, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed, outside case back further stamped 539 and "Fuerza Aérea del Perú"

  • Catalogue Essay

    Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Rolex received a number of orders for issued timepieces. These tool watches were usually delivered to the navy or air forces, aiding soldiers in their line of work. The Fuerza Aérea del Perú, or Peruvian Air Force ordered a number of watches during this period.

    The present example, reference 6265, is one such special issued watch. The case back is engraved "Fuerza Aérea del Perú", along with a three digit code which is very lightly engraved on the bottom of the case back. Most of these three digit numbers have been rubbed out with general wear, yet this one remains evident. It is interesting to note that there are two small holes on the outer case back, near the "teeth". These holes were used to secure the case back when Rolex stamped the markings. Furthermore, the inside case back is stamped with a repeated inside case back number, another sign of a special order watch.

    This remarkable military timepiece is furthermore fitted with a rare “sigma” dial, with the Greek sigma designation flanking the “T SWISS T” at 6 o'clock. Research show that this signifies the use of white gold hour markers and hands. This feature is correct for a 3.9 million serial number.

    The watch is furthermore presented in excellent condition, retaining its original mk 2 pushers and bezel. It features sharp edges and a milled finish to the top of the lugs.

  • 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

136

Ref. 6265, inside case back stamped with serial number 3'950'911 and 539 on outside case back
A highly rare and very attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with "sigma" dial, made for the Peruvian Air Force

Circa 1974
37mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed, outside case back further stamped 539 and "Fuerza Aérea del Perú"

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 80,000 
€43,200-69,100
$51,700-82,600

Sold for CHF93,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017