Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1977
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: D'337'406
    Case No: 5'159'764
    Model Name: GMT-Master "U.A.E Quraysh Hawk"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet stamped 50, end links stamped 502 B, max length 210mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel deployant clasp stamped 62510H
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex International Service Guarantee dated August 1, 2005 and invoice.

  • Catalogue Essay

    A cavalcade of details makes the present Rolex reference 1675 an extremely attractive and collectible version.

    The most obvious element is of course the presence of the UAE Quraysh Hawk in polychrome on the lower section of the dial. Made upon special request for Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Emir of Dubai, the present watch is part of an exceedingly rare batch of GMT-Masters produced between 1971 and 1979 for the Department of Defense whose signature is placed on the right hand side of the hawk. Research shows that these watches were most likely given to helicopter pilots in the Ministry of Defense.

    The reference 1675 was originally launched with a two tone red and blue bezel insert as to enable the wearer to differentiate day and night hours. In the early 1970s Rolex introduced an all-black bezel insert which even though may seem less practical provides for a much stealthier look and is a version rarely seen.

    The strong case, thick lugs and beautifully preserved bevels demonstrate the utmost condition of this watch and the luminous indexes and hands have aged to an extremely charismatic cappuccino color.

    The present GMT is a must have for the savvy collector looking for a timepiece that is not only in excellent condition but whose ultimate rarity and charm set it apart.

  • 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. 1675
A very rare, attractive and well preserved stainless steel dual time wristwatch with date and bracelet made for the UAE Ministry of Defense

1977
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF60,000 - 90,000 
€52,800-79,200
$61,500-92,200

Sold for CHF220,000

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

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018