Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1940
    Reference No: 3129
    Case No: 41'239
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle
    Dimensions: 31mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present timepiece is a fascinating example of Rolex production from the mid-twentieth century. Its extremely simple case lines - notably lacking proper lugs - allows the dial to be the true protagonist of this timepiece. Its design is inspired by 1930s sector dials but also already bears influences of a more utilitarian, nearly martial style, typical of the 1940s.

    Most notably, it is distinguished by the wide sectors complemented by a silver-finished railway minute track, and preserved in absolutely honest condition. All the graphics details are original and well-preserved, and the strong patina which has developed over time boosts the incredible vintage appeal of the timepiece. Of equal importance, the Rolex crown and numbers engraved to the outside of the case back are very crisp, denoting a timepiece which was never subject to careless, aggressive polishing but has on the contrary been properly cared for throughout its entire existence.

  • 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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946

Ref. 3129
A very attractive yellow gold wristwatch with two-tone sector dial

Circa 1940
31mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$40,000 - 64,000 
€4,400-7,000
$5,100-8,200

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018