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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1978
    Reference No: 1802, repeated inside the caseback
    Movement No: DD'726'604
    Case No: 5'051'195
    Model Name: Day-Date "Ardesia Ghost"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, end links stamped 53, max length 210mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex concealed deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Day-Date, also known as the “President” watch, is one of Rolex’s most sought after models. Its history began officially in 1956 at the Basel Fair with reference 6511. Over the 60 years that follow, this model became the brand’s playground in experimenting varied dials, textures and materials. The production of the Day-Date reference 1802 started in 1959. Sporting a smooth bezel, it was released in platinum and yellow, white or pink gold.

    The 1556 movement was introduced in 1965 and featured a 19'800 beat per hour frequency replacing the previous 1555 movement. Since 1972, the movement was further improved by means of a hacking mechanism, which allowed a precise time-setting of the timepiece.

    This Day-Date represents a very attractive collectors piece due to its extraordinary conservation state, enhanced by its yellow gold President bracelet. The present example, reference 1802, is highlighted by its modern and sophisticated smooth bezel which is rarer than the reference 1803 which has a grooved bezel.

    However, the most fascinating element of this watch is its dial of a surprising hazelnut color nicknamed "Ardesia Ghost" giving the watch a wonderfully unique look.

    The combination of all of the elements above results in an extraordinary striking and elegant appearance. The Day-Date has always been a very versatile timepiece for a gentleman or lady, easily worn in any environment ranging from casual to formal.

  • 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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Δ169

Ref. 1802, repeated inside the caseback
A fine and very rare yellow gold calendar wristwatch with hazelnut color dial and bracelet

Circa 1978
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 15,000 
€8,600-12,900
$10,300-15,500

Sold for CHF18,750

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

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017