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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1985
    Reference No: 19168 BRIL
    Movement No: 0'096'955
    Case No: 8'659'177
    Model Name: Day-Date Oyster Quartz "Octopussy"
    Material: 18K yellow gold and diamonds
    Calibre: Quartz, cal. 5055, 11 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold and diamond-set Rolex Oyster Quartz bracelet, max length 190 mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36 mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex hangtag.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present watch is not about flamboyance or glamour, but about self-confidence: confidence in one’s impeccable taste, in one’s refinement and artistic liberty.

    The present lot is a dazzling version of the Day-Date known as “Octopussy” – a name coined by collectors for Rolex’s most lavish version of the President bracelet produced during the 1970s and 1980s. This exclusive bracelet features round brilliant-cut diamonds on each outer link, set in an unusual cylindrical setting and flanking a center link with a baguette-cut diamonds. The cylindrically set diamonds rise prominently above the links, resembling the suction cups of an Octopus’s tentacles, giving rise to its unusual nickname. Admiring the bracelet from the reverse side, one notices how each and every diamond is individually secured to its link via 18-karat gold screws.

    The Oysterquartz line was introduced in 1977 using Rolex’s own, in-house high-precision quartz movement. Catering to those who preferred the higher timekeeping accuracy that quartz regulation enables, these models featured a thinner case and bracelet with sharp, modern angles matching the cutting edge technology found within.

    Another unusual feature on this timepiece is its surprising and visually arresting walnut tree wood dial perfectly complementing the vibrant and imaginative design of the watch.

    In overall superb condition, the present lot is a true collector's piece, with hardly any signs of wear as evidenced by the presence of the original green factory sticker on the caseback.

  • 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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145

Ref. 19168 BRIL
An extremely rare and flamboyant yellow gold and diamond-set calendar wristwatch with centre seconds, diamond-set "Octopussy" bracelet and wood dial

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

Estimate
CHF60,000 - 120,000 
€51,800-104,000
$62,000-124,000

Sold for CHF87,500

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

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017